fiscal mess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fiscal mess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where financial management is poor or chaotic, often in the context of government budgets or economic conditions. Example: "The recent budget cuts have only exacerbated the fiscal mess that our city is currently facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

America's fiscal mess is real.

The New York Times

A fiscal mess awaits him.

The Economist

We are in a fiscal mess.

The New York Times

So, can this fiscal mess be fixed?

The New York Times

"California is in a fiscal mess," Mr. Brown said.

The New York Times

The fiscal mess was general, a radiant ooze.

The New Yorker

You keep saying that you've inherited a big fiscal mess.

The Guardian

A22 Fiscal Mess for Congress Congress is in a fiscal mess of major proportions, yet hardly anyone is paying attention.

The New York Times

America's genuine fiscal mess, it is now clear, will come to dominate next year's presidential contests.

Independent

Not since the debt crisis has there been such an avoidable fiscal mess.

The New York Times

So did he seize it as an opportunity for serious debate about our fiscal mess?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fiscal mess", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific financial situation or entity being described, such as a government, organization, or individual's finances.

Common error

Avoid using "fiscal mess" as a generic term for any financial difficulty. Be specific about the underlying causes or contributing factors to add clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fiscal mess" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a problematic financial situation, often in the context of government or organizational finances. Ludwig shows examples across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fiscal mess" is a commonly used term to describe a state of financial disarray, primarily in governmental or organizational contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. While generally neutral in register, it is often used to express concern or criticism, particularly in News & Media. Alternatives include "financial disarray", "budgetary crisis", and "economic quagmire", each offering slightly different nuances. When using "fiscal mess", ensure the context clearly specifies the financial situation being described to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

budgetary crisis

Emphasizes the critical nature and potential severity of the financial situation.

financial predicament

Focuses on the difficult and unfavorable nature of the financial situation.

financial disarray

Focuses on the lack of order and organization in financial matters.

financial straits

Emphasizes the difficult and restricted financial circumstances.

economic quagmire

Highlights the complexity and difficulty of escaping the problematic financial state.

economic hardship

Highlights the difficulties and suffering caused by poor economic conditions.

financial woes

Uses a more informal term to describe financial problems and troubles.

economic downturn

Refers to a decline in economic activity, often leading to financial problems.

budget deficit

Specific to situations where spending exceeds income, leading to debt.

economic instability

Focuses on the lack of consistent economic performance and potential for fluctuations.

FAQs

How can I use "fiscal mess" in a sentence?

You can use "fiscal mess" to describe a state of disarray in financial management. For example, "The new mayor inherited a significant "fiscal mess" from the previous administration."

What's a less informal alternative to "fiscal mess"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "financial disarray", "budgetary crisis", or "economic quagmire" instead of "fiscal mess".

Is "fiscal mess" appropriate for formal writing?

While "fiscal mess" is widely understood, it might be perceived as slightly informal for certain formal contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What contributes to a "fiscal mess"?

A "fiscal mess" can arise from various factors, including poor financial planning, excessive spending, unforeseen economic downturns, or a combination of these and other elements.