limited means

USAGE SUMMARY

"limited means" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to resources or capacities that are restricted or constricted, for example: "The charity had limited means to provide food relief to the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The lesson here is that limited means limited.

Forbes

Her parents are of limited means.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even In C does this, through very minimal, limited means.

The Guardian - Music

Some are divorced, widowed or elderly and of limited means.

The New York Times

I GREW up in a family of limited means.

The New York Times

Still, with limited means (seven couples), it achieves much.

The New York Times - Arts

Darmstadt surprised most people last season by avoiding relegation despite limited means.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is no more and no less than any other person with limited means would receive".

The Guardian

"This is a school with a population of students from limited means," she said.

The New York Times

Ms. Bartlett's steel panel works reveal an uncanny ability to achieve remarkable imagery using limited means.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Band-limited means the band is a band of frequencies.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial situations, use "limited means" to convey a sense of constraint and resourcefulness in managing scarce funds. For example: "Despite their limited means, they managed to provide a good education for their children."

Common error

Avoid using "limited means" excessively in highly formal or business writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "budget constraints" or "resource limitations" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limited means" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adjective modifying an individual or group's capacity or financial resources. As shown by Ludwig, it describes a state of having restricted or insufficient resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "limited means" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of having restricted financial resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, although more formal options may be preferred in certain professional settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, with examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While synonymous phrases like "scarce resources" or "tight budget" can be used, "limited means" remains a versatile and widely understood expression for conveying financial constraint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarce resources

Focuses on the insufficiency of available resources.

meager resources

Highlights the inadequacy or poorness of resources.

constrained resources

Emphasizes the restricted nature of available resources.

tight budget

Specifically refers to financial constraints.

shoestring budget

Implies a very minimal amount of money available.

restricted funds

Highlights the limited access to financial resources.

modest resources

Suggests resources are humble or not abundant.

narrow resources

Suggests restricted resources.

insufficient funds

Points out the lack of adequate financial resources.

lack of resources

Directly states the absence or deficiency of resources.

FAQs

What does "limited means" mean?

"Limited means" refers to having restricted financial resources or other assets, often resulting in a struggle to afford necessities or achieve certain goals.

How can I use "limited means" in a sentence?

You can use "limited means" to describe someone's financial situation. For example: "The program provides assistance to families with "limited means"".

What are some synonyms for "limited means"?

Alternatives for "limited means" include "scarce resources", "tight budget", or "insufficient funds", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "limited means" in formal writing?

While "limited means" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "resource limitations" or "financial constraints" may be preferable in certain professional contexts.