lacking money

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking money" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that someone has no money or lacks the resources necessary to afford something. For example, "The family had been struggling since dad lost his job, now they were completely lacking money to put food on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Nor is it lacking money.

The New York Times

But lacking money the museum sold the property.

The New York Times - Arts

But lacking money, the mayor's project only inches forward.

The New York Times

The hospitals, lacking money for a costly advertisement campaign, folded, according to people involved.

The New York Times

Lacking money to spend and the will to raise more, they focused on the peripheral.

The New York Times

Lacking money for the normal accoutrements of pet care, some people improvise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Haitians urgently lacks money.

The New York Times

The family often lacked money.

The New York Times

Non-profits lack money and developers.

Cornell University

They lack money, representation and clout.

The Guardian - Opinion

We also do not lack money.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking money", consider the specific context. Choose more precise language if you want to emphasize the severity (e.g., "impoverished") or temporary nature (e.g., "short on funds") of the financial situation.

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid using "lacking money" excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "financially constrained" or "resource-deprived" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking money" functions as a participial phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of financial deficiency. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates the phrase is usable in written English. For example, "The hospitals, lacking money for a costly advertisement campaign, folded."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking money" is a versatile and grammatically sound participial phrase used to describe a state of financial scarcity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It commonly appears in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral formality level. While interchangeable with phrases like "short of funds" or "strapped for cash", choosing the most precise term depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to consider the overall tone of your writing and opt for more sophisticated synonyms in highly formal contexts to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short of funds

Indicates a temporary or current shortage of money, often implying a specific need.

strapped for cash

Suggests a difficult financial situation with very little money available.

in financial need

Highlights the necessity of financial assistance or support.

experiencing poverty

Refers to a longer-term state of being without adequate financial resources.

without sufficient funds

A more formal way of expressing the absence of adequate money.

low on capital

Specifically refers to a shortage of investment or operating funds.

financially constrained

Highlights limitations imposed by a lack of financial resources.

having limited resources

Broader term that includes financial limitations among other potential resource shortages.

in a deficit

Indicates spending more money than is being earned or received.

unable to afford

Focuses on the inability to purchase specific items or services due to financial constraints.

FAQs

How can I use "lacking money" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking money" to describe a situation where someone or something does not have enough funds. For example: "The project was delayed due to the team "lacking money" for resources."

What are some alternatives to saying "lacking money"?

Alternatives include phrases like "short of funds", "strapped for cash", or "in financial need". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to say "lacking money" or "without money"?

"Lacking money" implies a deficiency or absence of funds for a specific purpose or need, while "without money" is a more general statement about not possessing any money at all. Both are correct, but their connotations differ slightly.

What's the difference between "lacking money" and "low on capital"?

"Lacking money" is a general term for not having enough funds, whereas "low on capital" specifically refers to a shortage of funds for investment or business operations. So, "low on capital" has a more specific and business-oriented context.