missing funds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missing funds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to finance, accounting, or investigations where money is unaccounted for or lost. Example: "The audit revealed a discrepancy in the accounts, leading to concerns about missing funds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The trustee and regulators are still seeking any missing funds.

The New York Times

No one has been charged over the missing funds.

The Guardian - Opinion

About $200 million in missing funds have led to firings in Russia's space industry.

The New York Times

The discovery could be the most significant breakthrough in a monthlong hunt for the missing funds.

The New York Times

"I have no personal knowledge of any missing funds or unreconciled customer accounts," he said.

The New York Times

She said the government had enough evidence of missing funds to justify the extradition.

The New York Times

Much of those missing funds would be transferred to states like Texas, Mississippi, and Wisconsin.

The New Yorker

"The matter is closed because the allegations of missing funds were false charges," Mr. Ulrich said.

The New York Times

But the board was widely criticized for not revealing details of the missing funds.

The New York Times

Internal documents show that the move followed the discovery of the missing funds.

The Guardian - Business

On Dec. 21, Rajaratnam sent him an angry e-mail that seemed to hold Gupta responsible for the missing funds.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise language to describe the nature of the missing funds, whether they were embezzled, lost due to mismanagement, or simply unaccounted for.

Common error

Don't use "missing funds" as a euphemism for theft or fraud without providing evidence. If the funds are simply unaccounted for, state that clearly rather than implying criminal activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missing funds" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific category of assets that are unaccounted for. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used in contexts of financial reporting, investigations, and legal proceedings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "missing funds" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe money that is unaccounted for or has disappeared. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in register and serves to inform or report on financial discrepancies. While alternatives like "unaccounted funds" or "embezzled funds" exist, the best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the missing money. When using "missing funds", it's crucial to be specific and avoid vague language that could imply wrongdoing without evidence. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating the diverse contexts in which this phrase is used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unaccounted-for money

Focuses on the lack of explanation for the whereabouts of the money.

lost money

Emphasizes the state of being irretrievably gone.

embezzled funds

Specifically indicates funds that have been fraudulently appropriated.

misappropriated funds

Highlights the improper use of the funds for unintended purposes.

defalcation

A more formal term for embezzlement or misappropriation.

unreconciled accounts

Indicates discrepancies in financial records that need resolution.

untraced funds

Implies that the funds' movement cannot be followed or identified.

funds gone astray

Suggests the funds have deviated from their intended path.

financial irregularities

A broad term for suspicious or unlawful financial activities.

funds shortfall

Indicates a deficiency or gap in the required amount of funds.

FAQs

How can I use "missing funds" in a sentence?

You can use "missing funds" to describe a situation where money is unaccounted for or has disappeared, such as, "The audit revealed significant "missing funds" from the company's accounts".

What are some alternatives to "missing funds"?

Alternatives include "unaccounted funds", "lost funds", or "embezzled funds", depending on the context and the reason for the funds being missing.

Which is correct, "missing funds" or "missing fund"?

"Missing funds" is generally used when referring to an unspecified amount of money. "Missing fund" could be used if referring to a specific, named fund that is missing, but is much less common.

What's the difference between "missing funds" and "stolen funds"?

"Missing funds" simply means the money is not where it should be, without specifying the reason. "Stolen funds" implies that the money was taken illegally.