meager resources

USAGE SUMMARY

'meager resources' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
The phrase refers to resources that are slight or inadequate. An example sentence is: "The organization had to make do with meager resources, as fundraising efforts had not been very successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It also noted competing priorities for "the meager resources at the state's disposal".

The New York Times

Yet Rwanda has long had more people than its meager resources and small area can support.

The New York Times

A young director with meager resources could not find a leaner entree into the movie business.

The New York Times

Like other American researchers, he described them as doing highly competent work with meager resources.

The New York Times - Science

Low morale, high turnover, meager resources and relatively weak pay hit the agency hard.

The New York Times

Does the World Health Organization offer a way to focus the meager resources in the most effective places?

The New York Times

She is so smart that even with her meager resources, she managed to pull off a good wedding".

The New York Times

How can the Palestinian leadership, with its meager resources, work to curb extremist elements without American support?

The New York Times

Now, with the city's fiscal problems straining their meager resources beyond the breaking point, the block feels like a trap.

The New York Times

But they looked at the available alternatives, looked at their rent and their meager resources, and decided to stay awhile — maybe another year, maybe two.

The New York Times

Overdraft fees deplete the borrowers' meager resources, causing them to borrow again and again — and pushing them deeper into the debt trap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meager resources", clearly specify what those resources are (e.g., financial, personnel, equipment) to provide context and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "meager resources" to the point of sounding hyperbolic. While limited resources can certainly pose challenges, it is crucial to maintain a balanced and objective tone when describing their effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meager resources" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "meager" is an adjective modifying the noun "resources". It describes the state of having insufficient or limited assets. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase appears in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science & Research

3%

Huffington Post

8%

Vice

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meager resources" is a commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of limited or insufficient resources. Grammatically sound and versatile, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and various media outlets. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Related phrases, such as "limited resources" and "scarce resources", offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the type of resources and avoid overstating the impact. The phrase's neutral to slightly formal tone makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, although the exact nuance can be affected depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited resources

Emphasizes the restriction on the amount of resources available.

Scarce resources

Highlights the rarity and potential unavailability of resources.

Inadequate resources

Focuses on the resources being insufficient for a specific need or purpose.

Insufficient funds

Specifically refers to a lack of money or financial backing.

Limited funds

Indicates that the money available is restricted in quantity.

Paltry funds

Emphasizes the insignificance or worthlessness of the available money.

Minimal support

Focuses on the low level of aid, assistance, or backing received.

Reduced budget

Specifically refers to a decrease in the amount of money allocated.

Tight budget

Indicates that there's not much financial leeway available.

Restricted funding

Highlights the constraint on the money available.

FAQs

How can I use "meager resources" in a sentence?

You can use "meager resources" to describe situations where there is a limited availability of funds, personnel, or other assets. For example, "The organization had to innovate to achieve its goals with "limited resources"".

What are some alternatives to "meager resources"?

Alternatives to "meager resources" include "scarce resources", "limited funds", and "inadequate resources". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "meager resources" or "limited resources"?

Both "meager resources" and "limited resources" are correct, but "meager" implies a sense of inadequacy or deficiency, while "limited" simply indicates a restriction in quantity. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "meager resources"?

"Meager resources" is suitable for describing situations in both formal and informal contexts, such as discussing a company's financial constraints, a charity's limited funding, or a family's tight budget. Ludwig AI indicates that the term is used across varied sources, from news to encyclopedias.