meagre resources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meagre resources" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there are limited or insufficient resources available for a particular purpose. Example: "The charity struggled to provide aid due to its meagre resources, which limited its outreach efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they survive on increasingly meagre resources.

The Guardian

After the Civil War, the freedmen were thrown largely on their own meagre resources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But war has drained the country's meagre resources, leaving little room for voluntary sacrifice.

The Economist

To have even those meagre resources threatened with cuts is beyond cruel.

The Guardian

But they have meagre resources and cannot guarantee their staying power.

The Guardian

An official remarks: "The meagre resources of Portuguese cinema are incompatible with your reveries".

The Guardian - Film

Pollution comes from many sources, the distribution of information is highly asymmetric and the authorities have meagre resources.

Ecological Economics

Several times, Georgia has had to use its meagre resources to buy back pieces of the national heritage.

The Economist

"The president's frequent travels are a drain to the nation's meagre resources, as is her bloated cabinet.

The Guardian

In 2009, the hospital was attacked by an armed group that destroyed or stole many of the building's meagre resources.

The Guardian

He also shows how an administration can be managed with meagre resources so that key services are protected.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where resources are limited, ensure that the context clearly indicates what these "meagre resources" are intended for, to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "meagre financial resources" or "meagre human resources".

Common error

Avoid using "meagre resources" to justify inaction or failure without providing a clear plan for optimization or alternative solutions. Instead, focus on strategies to maximize the use of available resources or seek additional support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meagre resources" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier, where the adjective "meagre" qualifies the noun "resources". This usage is consistent across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig, to describe situations with limited or insufficient assets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meagre resources" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe situations where resources are limited or insufficient. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from reliable sources across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "limited resources" and "scarce resources" exist, "meagre" specifically emphasizes the inadequacy. When using "meagre resources", ensure the context clarifies what resources are being referred to, and avoid using it as a mere excuse without proposing solutions for resource optimization. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited resources

Direct synonym, focusing on the restriction of resources.

scarce resources

Emphasizes the rarity and insufficient availability of resources.

paltry resources

Highlights the insignificance and inadequacy of resources.

insufficient funds

Specifically refers to a lack of monetary resources.

limited funding

Similar to insufficient funds, but focuses on the act of providing funds.

inadequate means

Broader term referring to any lack of necessary resources or capabilities.

deficient resources

Focuses on the shortfall and lack of completeness in resources.

minimal assets

Emphasizes the very low amount of possessions or resources.

thin resources

Suggests a weak and stretched provision of resources.

exiguous resources

A more formal and less common synonym emphasizing scarcity.

FAQs

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

You can use "meagre resources" to describe situations where the available resources are limited or insufficient. For example, "The project struggled to succeed due to its "meagre resources"".

What are some alternatives to "meagre resources"?

Alternatives include "limited resources", "scarce resources", "paltry resources", or "insufficient funds", depending on the context.

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

"Meagre resources" and "limited resources" are largely interchangeable, but "meagre" emphasizes the inadequacy and insignificance of the resources, whereas "limited" simply indicates a restriction. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "meagre" mean in the context of "meagre resources"?

In this context, "meagre" means small, deficient, or inadequate. It suggests that the resources available are not enough to meet the needs or demands of a particular situation.