scant funds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scant funds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a limited or insufficient amount of money available for a particular purpose. Example: "Due to scant funds, the organization had to cut back on its planned projects for the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Moreover, the company had scant funds to bring out and establish colonists on the land.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Short runs and scant funds handicap far too many new plays off Broadway.

The New York Times

The reasons are largely financial: India is a relatively poor country, and there are scant funds available for research.

The New Yorker

Allan Melville died insane, leaving his wife to raise eight children on the scant funds wealthy relatives would spare.

The New York Times - Books

When a show has a workshop production, for instance, there are scant funds to pay designers, actors and technicians.

The New York Times

He points out that the Forestry Agency devotes little staff and scant funds to "rewilding" or wildlife conservation — a sign that these are not core priorities.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Until then, there is scant funding.

The Washington Post

Under apartheid, black children received scant funding for education compared to their white peers.

The Guardian - Travel

Despite scant funding and a lack of publishing expertise in the country, media outlets in Libya witness an unprecedented boom sparked by the revolution.

Cornell University

But vocational schools in rural areas, no less than their middle-school counterparts, are blighted by scant funding and poor-quality staff.

The Economist

There is widespread unemployment, little investment in infrastructure, only rudimentary counselling programmes and scant funding to help those looking to start life afresh.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scant funds", ensure the context clearly indicates what the funds are insufficient for. For example, "Due to scant funds, the project was delayed."

Common error

Avoid assuming "scant funds" automatically equates to failure. Instead, highlight resourceful strategies or adaptations made despite the limited resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant funds" functions as a pre-modifying adjective ("scant") combined with a noun ("funds"). It's used to describe a situation where the amount of money available is limited or insufficient. As Ludwig AI shows, it frequently appears to describe situations where projects or organizations struggle due to financial constraints.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

22%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scant funds" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a situation where financial resources are limited. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate for use in written English. It's most often found in news and media, academic writing, and scientific contexts. When using "scant funds", remember to clarify what the funds are insufficient for. Alternatives include "limited financial resources" and "meager budget".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited financial resources

This alternative highlights the restricted nature of available finances.

Meager financial resources

Replacing "scant" with "meager" emphasizes the inadequacy of the funds.

Limited budget

This alternative is more concise and focuses on the budget constraint.

Insufficient financial means

This phrase uses more formal language to convey the lack of adequate financial resources.

Tight financial situation

This alternative focuses on the challenging financial circumstances.

Sparse monetary resources

Using "sparse" instead of "scant" emphasizes the rarity of the funds.

Restricted funding

This option highlights the limitations placed on the available funding.

Limited capital

This focuses on the shortage of capital, especially relevant in business contexts.

Small budget

This alternative provides a simple and direct description of the budget size.

Inadequate financial support

This emphasizes the lack of sufficient financial backing or assistance.

FAQs

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

Use "scant funds" to describe situations where resources are limited. For example: "Despite "scant funds", the team managed to complete the project successfully."

What's a good alternative to "scant funds"?

Alternatives include "limited financial resources", "meager budget", or "insufficient funds". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "scant funds" or "limited funds"?

Both are correct, but "limited funds" is more common. "Scant funds" can add emphasis to the severity of the lack of resources. Use the phrasing that best fits the tone and style of your writing.

What does "scant funds" imply about a project or organization?

It implies that the project or organization is operating with a minimal budget, potentially leading to challenges in achieving its goals or maintaining its operations. It might suggest resourcefulness or the need for additional funding.