lean time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lean time" is not commonly recognized in standard written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could potentially be used in contexts discussing efficiency or minimalism, but clarity may be lacking without additional context. Example: "During lean time, we focused on optimizing our resources and reducing waste in the production process."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

It can be a lean time at the market.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have been having a real lean time.

The Guardian - Sport

The move by CBS comes during a particularly lean time for ad-supported media.

The New York Times

And the Japanese disaster comes at a lean time for reinsurers.

The Economist

It's clear that frontline services are going to be in for a very mean, lean time".

The Guardian

In a lean time for trade in ivory and sandalwood, militant groups may have helped him get guns.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

These were lean times.

The New Yorker

"Clark Howard's Living Large in Lean Times".

The New York Times

These are lean times for Italian manufacturers.

The Guardian - Sport

The lean times and the flush.

The New York Times

"And these are lean times".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lean time", consider specifying the area affected (e.g., "lean time for research funding") to provide more clarity and context.

Common error

While acceptable, "lean time" may sound informal in certain contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "economic downturn" or "period of scarcity" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lean time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing a period characterized by scarcity, hardship, or reduced activity. The related expression "lean times" functions similarly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lean time" is a common and generally acceptable noun phrase used to describe a period of scarcity or difficulty. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically sound, it may sometimes benefit from greater precision, especially in formal contexts. Its register is generally neutral, appearing frequently in news and media sources. While Ludwig's analysis of the phrase is favorable overall, carefully considering context and audience when choosing to use "lean time" is crucial. Alternatives like "difficult period" or "time of scarcity" may be more appropriate for certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thin times

Uses a synonym of "lean" to describe a difficult period.

difficult period

Replaces "lean" with a more direct adjective and "time" with a broader noun.

time of scarcity

Emphasizes the lack of resources rather than the difficulty.

economic downturn

Specifically refers to a decline in economic activity.

hard times

A more general and common expression for a period of hardship.

period of austerity

Highlights a time of reduced spending and increased frugality.

slack season

Implies a period of reduced business or activity.

downtime

Focuses on a period of inactivity or reduced productivity.

trough period

Uses a more technical term to describe a low point in a cycle.

period of adversity

Highlights the challenging nature of the time.

FAQs

How can I use "lean time" in a sentence?

You can use "lean time" to describe periods of scarcity or hardship, such as: "The company experienced a "lean time" due to the economic recession".

What are some alternatives to "lean time"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "difficult period", "time of scarcity", or "economic downturn".

Is "lean time" formal or informal?

"Lean time" is generally considered acceptable but leans toward the informal side. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives that convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

What does "lean time" mean?

"Lean time" refers to a period when resources are scarce, or when a business or organization is not performing well financially. It implies a struggle to maintain stability during challenging circumstances.