financially unstable

USAGE SUMMARY

"financially unstable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are talking about something or someone whose financial situation is uncertain or precarious. For example, "The company was in a financially unstable position due to a lack of income."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When his business empire became financially unstable, Krueger shot himself amid accusations of shady and possibly illegal financial deals.

Wikipedia

Yet many of the state's arts organizations remain financially unstable.

The New York Times

The properties were in disrepair and financially unstable when the company took them over in 2015.

Harvard University

The number of people in a financially unstable position is rising.

The New Yorker

Mentally and financially unstable, he appears to have passed that instability to two of their sons.

The New York Times - Books

"A lender doesn't want to make a share loan in a building that is financially unstable," he said.

The New York Times

"Otherwise, we will wind up financially unstable, and we can't allow that to happen," Mr. Kessel said.

The New York Times

Before the hurricanes hit, Puerto Rico had a health systen which the Urban Institute described as "financially unstable".

The Guardian

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The reforms played a role in fostering an increasingly unstable financially driven economic order; their implication in the global financial crisis in turn poses a threat to center-left parties and the legitimacy of contemporary finance capitalism.

Cornell University

By 1980, however, the Lyric had become seriously unstable financially, and Krainik saw her future there as uncertain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "financially unstable", provide context by specifying the factors contributing to the instability. This enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "financially unstable" as a vague descriptor. Instead, pinpoint the specific financial metrics or events (e.g. declining revenue, high debt, market volatility) that cause the instability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "financially unstable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of financial stability or security. Ludwig's examples show it describing various entities from individuals to companies to countries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "financially unstable" is a commonly used descriptor indicating a precarious or uncertain financial situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across diverse contexts. Analysis of examples reveals its frequent use in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. Related phrases include "financially insecure" and "economically fragile", offering nuanced ways to express financial vulnerability. When using the phrase, specificity is key; avoid overgeneralization by identifying the underlying factors contributing to the instability. In essence, "financially unstable" serves as an evaluative term, highlighting potential risks and consequences related to a volatile financial state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

financially insecure

General term indicating a lack of confidence and stability in one's financial situation.

in a financially vulnerable state

Highlights the susceptibility to negative financial events or shocks.

in precarious financial condition

Emphasizes the uncertainty and risk associated with the financial situation.

economically fragile

Emphasizes the delicate and easily disrupted nature of the financial situation.

facing financial difficulties

Highlights the presence of existing challenges and struggles in the financial realm.

experiencing financial hardship

Focuses on the negative impact and suffering caused by the financial situation.

on the brink of bankruptcy

Indicates being very close to the state of legal insolvency.

at risk of financial collapse

Implies a high probability of a complete financial failure or ruin.

with limited financial resources

Focuses on the scarcity and insufficiency of available financial means.

struggling to make ends meet

Highlights the difficulty in covering basic expenses and financial obligations.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "financially unstable"?

Being "financially unstable" means experiencing a state of financial uncertainty or insecurity, often due to factors like inconsistent income, high debt, or economic downturns. It suggests a risk of financial difficulties or collapse.

How can I describe something similar to being "financially unstable"?

You can use alternatives like "financially insecure", "economically fragile", or "in precarious financial condition" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use the term "financially unstable" in formal writing?

Yes, "financially unstable" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing economic situations, business performance, or personal finance. However, ensure the context warrants such a direct assessment.

What are some common causes of a company being "financially unstable"?

Common causes include poor management, high operating costs, declining sales, excessive debt, and unforeseen economic events. These factors can lead to revenue shortfalls and threaten the company's solvency.