financially unable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "financially unable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who does not have the financial means to afford something or to take on a financial obligation. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am currently financially unable to pay for my tuition fees this semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The vast majority of countries that were in arrears were financially unable to pay.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many were abandoned by their mothers, who were financially unable or too ashamed to keep them.

The Guardian

Without a scholarship, he would be financially unable to attend college next year.

The New York Times

Some smaller NGOs say they are financially unable to offer paid internships.

The Guardian

Many who might be superb trustees are financially unable and/or do not desire to engage in campaigning.

Cornell University

If they don't, they will lose out financially, unable to attract businesses and talent from cities that do.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

They are exhausted financially and unable to participate in arts events at the same level as in the 1990s.

The New York Times

Entrepreneurs remain politically isolated and financially hobbled, unable to sell stocks or bonds or get significant bank loans.

The New York Times

Collins and Alderson have endured three rebuilding years together with the same truth weighing on them: the Mets were financially handicapped, unable to make the necessary moves to lift the team's talent level.

The New York Times - Sports

Major centers of scientific education and research have become financially unstable and unable to move forward with initiatives begun over the past decade.

Princeton University

Unfortunately, a number of zoos remained financially strapped and unable to make necessary improvements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "financially unable", clearly state what the subject is unable to afford or do due to their financial situation. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "financially unable" as a blanket statement without specifying the exact limitation. Instead of saying 'They are financially unable', specify 'They are "financially unable" to afford healthcare' to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "financially unable" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of financial capacity or resources. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a common way to express that someone or something does not have enough money to do something. It describes a state of being limited by financial circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

27%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "financially unable" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a lack of financial capacity to perform an action or acquire something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used across different contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific publications. While the phrase is considered correct, it's important to provide context by specifying what the subject is "financially unable" to do. Alternatives like "lacking financial resources" or "unable to afford" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to afford

A more concise way of expressing the inability to pay for something.

financially constrained

Highlights financial limitations affecting choices and actions.

lacking financial resources

Focuses on the absence of necessary funds or assets.

without the means to afford

Highlights the inability to purchase something due to financial constraints.

short of funds

Simply means not having enough money.

in a state of financial hardship

Emphasizes the difficult economic conditions someone is experiencing.

experiencing financial difficulties

Indicates ongoing problems related to money management or availability.

having limited financial capacity

Focuses on the restricted ability to handle financial obligations.

facing economic constraints

Highlights the limitations imposed by economic factors.

in financial straits

Implies a difficult or precarious financial situation.

FAQs

How can I use "financially unable" in a sentence?

You can use "financially unable" to describe someone or something that lacks the financial resources to do something. For example, 'Due to the economic downturn, many families are "financially unable" to afford basic necessities'.

What's a more formal alternative to "financially unable"?

In a more formal context, you could use "lacking financial resources" or "without the means to afford".

Is it better to say "financially unable" or "unable financially"?

"Financially unable" is generally preferred as it is more common and sounds more natural in contemporary English. However, "unable financially" is also grammatically correct, though less frequently used.

What's the difference between "financially unable" and "poor"?

"Poor" is a general term for lacking wealth or resources. "Financially unable" is more specific, highlighting the inability to do something due to a lack of funds. Someone might be "financially unable" to afford a new car, even if they are not considered generally "poor".