not wealthy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not wealthy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who does not have a lot of money or financial resources. Example: "Despite his hard work, he is still not wealthy enough to afford a house in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The couple were not wealthy.

The New York Times

Scholars are not wealthy people.

Stanford University

We were not wealthy.

The New York Times

They're not wealthy people".

The New Yorker

"They're not wealthy kids," he said.

The New York Times

His own immediate family was not wealthy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We were not wealthy at all.

The Guardian

"She and her family are not wealthy.

The New York Times

"The building is not wealthy," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Cambridge is not wealthy and it's not just a university town," says Mr Huppert.

Independent

I'm not wealthy from it but I make a living.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not wealthy" to provide an unbiased description of someone's financial status. This phrase is a clear and concise way to convey that someone does not have a significant amount of money.

Common error

Avoid using "not wealthy" when "poor" is more appropriate. "Not wealthy" simply means lacking substantial assets, whereas "poor" implies a state of deprivation and hardship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not wealthy" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of substantial financial resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound construction and its function stems from combining the negation "not" with the adjective "wealthy."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not wealthy" serves as a straightforward descriptor for someone lacking substantial financial resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, most notably in news and media, with neutral formality. While "not wealthy" might seem interchangeable with terms like "poor" or "financially challenged", each carries its own unique connotation. While "not wealthy" is a common and neutral way to describe someone's financial situation, it's essential to consider the specific context and audience to ensure sensitivity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not rich

A simpler and more direct way of saying "not wealthy".

not affluent

Replaces "wealthy" with "affluent", suggesting a more refined lack of riches.

struggling financially

Focuses on the difficulties and effort involved in managing limited finances.

financially challenged

Emphasizes the difficulties associated with a lack of wealth.

economically disadvantaged

A more formal term often used in sociological or economic contexts.

of modest means

Indicates having a limited income or resources, often implying respectability.

in financial straits

Suggests a difficult financial situation, often temporary.

living paycheck to paycheck

Highlights the precariousness of financial instability.

hard up

An informal term indicating a severe lack of money.

penniless

Implies a complete lack of money, often used for dramatic effect.

FAQs

What is a polite way to say someone is "not wealthy"?

You can use phrases like "of modest means", "not affluent", or "financially challenged" as more tactful alternatives.

How does "not wealthy" differ from "poor"?

"Not wealthy" indicates a lack of substantial assets, while "poor" implies a state of deprivation and hardship. Someone can be "not wealthy" without being poor.

What are some synonyms for "not wealthy"?

Synonyms include "not rich", "not affluent", and "financially challenged". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever inappropriate to describe someone as "not wealthy"?

It can be inappropriate if the context is insensitive or judgmental. Consider the person's privacy and the purpose of sharing this information.