low on manpower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low on manpower" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which a group has fewer personnel than necessary to complete a task. For example, "The project is running low on manpower, so they are struggling to stay on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, the Rhodesian Army remained stretched and low on manpower.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Running low on Syrian manpower, Assad's war effort is increasingly managed by Iran, another power pushing for partition.

The Guardian

"We're low on time and manpower, let's put it that way," Brodasca said.

The New York Times - Magazine

He said: "The company was short on manpower; we told them that.

The New York Times - Magazine

The union, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, says the management is scrimping on manpower and endangering safety.

The New York Times

At the start of the conflict, Kiev's army was short on manpower, modern equipment and knowhow.

The Guardian

"Every district in the city is running short on manpower," said Pat Camden, a Fraternal Order of Police spokesman.

The New York Times

H.P. is also selling how much these systems can save on manpower costs, with much of the maintenance automated.

The New York Times

"There will be challenges on manpower, definitely, throughout this decade, challenges in the balance ahead.

BBC

Furthermore, the departure of the Mormon Battalion left the emigrants short on manpower.

Wikipedia

His term coincided with the outbreak of the Korean War, and resultant increased demands on manpower.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary shortage, use "running low on manpower". For a chronic issue, consider "understaffed" or "short-staffed".

Common error

Avoid using "low on manpower" when referring to a lack of diversity. "Manpower" specifically refers to the number of personnel, not their demographic characteristics. Use "lack of diversity in the workforce" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low on manpower" typically functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a state of deficiency in the number of available personnel. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low on manpower" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a shortage of personnel. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While its meaning is clear, contemporary writing often favors more inclusive terms such as "personnel", "staff", or "workforce". When facing a shortage, consider using alternatives like "short-staffed" or "understaffed". Be mindful to use "low on manpower" to refer to a number of personnel and not demographic characteristics. The phrase serves to inform or explain a deficiency in available staff and can often justify delays or inefficiencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short-staffed

Focuses specifically on a lack of staff members.

understaffed

Similar to short-staffed, but implies a more chronic condition.

personnel shortage

Directly states the lack of available people.

lacking personnel

A more formal way of saying there are not enough people.

staff deficit

Highlights the lack of staff compared to what is needed.

insufficient workforce

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the workforce size.

inadequate staffing levels

A formal way to describe insufficient staff numbers.

limited resources

Broader term that includes manpower but also covers equipment and funding.

stretched thin

Suggests existing personnel are overworked.

under-resourced

Similar to limited resources, but implies a systemic issue.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "low on manpower"?

Alternatives include "short-staffed", "understaffed", or "lacking personnel" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "manpower" in modern writing?

While "manpower" is widely understood, consider using "personnel", "staff", or "workforce" as more inclusive alternatives in contemporary writing.

What does it mean to be "low on manpower"?

It means an organization or team doesn't have enough people to complete their tasks effectively. This can lead to delays, increased workload for existing staff, and reduced overall performance.

How does being "low on manpower" affect a project?

Being "low on manpower" can cause projects to fall behind schedule, increase stress on existing team members, and potentially reduce the quality of work.