not prosperous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not prosperous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, place, or individual that is lacking in wealth, success, or growth. Example: "The region has been struggling economically and is currently not prosperous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Not prosperous, you mean".

The New Yorker

I'm not prosperous.

The New York Times

The American gun industry is not prosperous.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The people who were prosperous there are not prosperous here".

The New York Times

Richard's evident abilities as a classicist brought him scant reward but provided an educated and industrious, if not prosperous, home.

Encyclopedia Britannica

James's last decades were not prosperous, and the debts of young Payne Todd depleted the family's resources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Well, she wasn't prosperous, she said.

The New Yorker

Why shouldn't prosperous, populous allies defend themselves, instead of relying on America?

Huffington Post

John Updike was a slightly-older classmate in a vast high school populated by not-prosperous rural youths in some netherland of the nineteen-fifties.

The New Yorker

By Joyce Carol Oates January 27 , 2009John Updike was a slightly-older classmate in a vast high school populated by not-prosperous rural youths in some netherland of the nineteen-fifties.

The New Yorker

Among the archetypal domestic horrors that haunt Americans — the postpartum-depressed mother who drowns her children, the unhinged father who slaughters his family, the formerly tractable teen-ager… John Updike was a slightly-older classmate in a vast high school populated by not-prosperous rural youths in some netherland of the nineteen-fifties.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a region or industry, use "not prosperous" to suggest it is struggling financially or failing to thrive. This is more nuanced than simply saying it is "poor".

Common error

Avoid using "not prosperous" interchangeably with "not happy" or "not successful" in contexts outside of financial or economic well-being. While related, prosperity specifically refers to wealth and financial success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not prosperous" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a lack of financial success or economic well-being. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not prosperous" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that describes a lack of financial success or economic well-being. Ludwig AI confirms it is suitable in written English. It appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, and its neutral register makes it versatile for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with contexts relating to wealth and financial success, avoiding confusion with general happiness or success. Alternatives such as "lacking affluence" or "financially struggling" may offer more specific connotations depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not wealthy

A more direct synonym for lacking riches.

lacking affluence

Focuses specifically on the absence of wealth or riches.

financially struggling

Highlights the ongoing difficulty in managing finances.

economically challenged

Emphasizes the broad economic difficulties faced.

in financial hardship

Focuses on severe difficulties in finances.

not thriving

Indicates a lack of growth and success, not exclusively financial.

in economic decline

Highlights a downturn or worsening of economic conditions.

underdeveloped economically

Points to a lack of economic advancement or progress.

experiencing recession

Specifically indicates a period of economic downturn.

not flourishing

Implies a general lack of success and positive growth.

FAQs

How can I use "not prosperous" in a sentence?

You can use "not prosperous" to describe a person, place, or time period that is lacking in financial success or economic well-being. For example: "The region has been struggling economically and is currently not prosperous."

What is a good alternative to saying "not prosperous"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "lacking affluence", "financially struggling", or "not wealthy".

Is it better to say "not prosperous" or "in economic decline"?

"Not prosperous" is a general term indicating a lack of financial success. "In economic decline" is more specific, suggesting a worsening economic situation over time. The best choice depends on the specific context you want to convey.

What's the difference between "not prosperous" and "not thriving"?

"Not prosperous" specifically refers to financial or economic well-being, while "not thriving" refers to a more general lack of success, growth, or positive development. Something can be "not thriving" even if it is financially stable, and vice versa.