in financial difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

'in financial difficulty' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person or entity that is having trouble with their finances. For example, "The business has been in financial difficulty since the recession began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Friends say he is in financial difficulty.

The Guardian - Sport

Eaves had been in financial difficulty since 2010.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Two years ago, Paula Hawkins was in "financial difficulty".

The Guardian - Books

"The OfS will not bail out providers in financial difficulty.

The Guardian

"Clearly we are taking some risk, but the industry is in financial difficulty," he said.

The New York Times

Any expatriate in financial difficulty knows the safest bet is to take the next outbound flight.

The Guardian

The Louisiana Philharmonic is hardly the only symphony orchestra in financial difficulty.

The New York Times - Arts

In addition, two major tenants have made filings that indicate they are in financial difficulty.

The New York Times

Mr. Dworman denies he was in financial difficulty, according to his spokesman.

The New York Times

StepChange is a registered charity which aims to help people in financial difficulty.

The Guardian - Money

It has demonstrated skepticism about intervening to help developing countries in financial difficulty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a company's financial state, use "in financial difficulty" to convey that they are facing challenges but are not necessarily bankrupt. This allows for a nuanced portrayal that accounts for the possibility of recovery.

Common error

Avoid using "in financial difficulty" when the situation is more accurately described as bankruptcy or insolvency. "In financial difficulty" suggests a temporary setback, not a complete collapse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in financial difficulty" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically a prepositional phrase that describes the state or condition of a person, organization, or entity. This is evidenced by its use in examples provided by Ludwig, where it qualifies nouns like "company", "airline", and "university".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in financial difficulty" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone or something experiencing monetary challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. While alternatives like "facing economic hardship" or "struggling financially" exist, "in financial difficulty" offers a balanced and widely understood way to convey this concept. When using this phrase, consider the severity of the situation and avoid overstating it if the subject is not actually bankrupt or in a full-blown crisis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling financially

Highlights the ongoing effort to overcome financial problems.

under financial strain

Focuses on the pressure and stress resulting from financial obligations.

under fiscal pressure

Focuses on the burden and tightness resulting from financial demands.

facing economic hardship

Emphasizes the struggle and adversity caused by financial problems.

having economic woes

Focuses on the troubles and sorrows caused by financial issues.

experiencing monetary challenges

Highlights the problems and difficulties related to money matters.

contending with financial instability

Highlights the battle against the precariousness and insecurity of finances.

in adverse financial circumstances

Highlights the unfavorable and disadvantageous conditions.

in a precarious financial situation

Highlights the instability and risk associated with the financial state.

encountering monetary obstacles

Emphasizes the barriers and impediments to financial stability.

FAQs

How can I use "in financial difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "in financial difficulty" to describe a person, company, or organization that is struggling with their finances. For example, "The company has been "in financial difficulty" since the recession began."

What are some alternatives to saying "in financial difficulty"?

Alternatives include "facing economic hardship", "under financial strain", or "struggling financially". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in financial difficulties" instead of "in financial difficulty"?

While "in financial difficulties" is grammatically acceptable, "in financial difficulty" is more common and generally preferred in contemporary usage. The singular form emphasizes the overall state, while the plural could suggest multiple specific instances.

What's the difference between "in financial difficulty" and "in financial crisis"?

"In financial difficulty" implies a challenging financial situation, while "in financial crisis" suggests a more severe and urgent situation. A "financial crisis" typically involves a higher risk of collapse and requires immediate action.