scant resources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scant resources" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a limited amount of resources available, often in contexts like budgeting, project management, or research. Example: "The team was forced to make difficult decisions due to the scant resources allocated for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The family's scant resources are devoted to looking after him.

The Guardian

Their scant resources are a source of pride.

The New Yorker

But it leaves relatively scant resources for treating Indians who already have AIDS.

The Economist

But he added that he has scant resources and no authority to do this.

Independent

Yet Benedict has reduced still further the scant resources assigned to external communications.

The Economist

The tension between scant resources and great need has taken an enormous toll, the lawsuit says.

The New York Times

Israeli security forces, focussed on Palestinian terrorism, devoted scant resources to tracking Israeli extremists.

The New Yorker

It was a no-brainer for Neil, given Hamilton's relatively scant resources and tiny supporter base.

The Guardian - Sport

As you report, these children have scant resources and few people to advocate for them.

The New York Times

According to Binney, however, Nevada's scant resources give Mulroy little choice.

The New York Times - Magazine

All are publishers, like Galley Beggar, with scant resources but a cartload of guts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing budget constraints, use "scant resources" to effectively convey the severity of limitations. For example, "Due to scant resources, the project's scope was reduced."

Common error

Avoid using "scant resources" when the resources are merely underutilized, not genuinely limited. Overstating resource limitations can undermine the credibility of your analysis or argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant resources" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by the adjective "scant". As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and is used to describe situations where available resources are limited.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scant resources" is a valid and commonly used expression to denote a situation of limited or insufficient resources. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, and it appears frequently in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, with News & Media being the most frequent context. When using "scant resources", ensure that the limitation is genuine and that the phrase accurately conveys the constraint being discussed. Alternatives like "limited resources" or "meager provisions" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "scant resources" is a valuable phrase for clearly communicating limitations in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal reserves

Indicates that only a small amount of resources are held in reserve.

limited supplies

Focuses on the tangible limitation of the resources.

limited availability

Highlights that the lack is about accessibility of resources.

meager provisions

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the resources provided.

sparse provisions

Focuses on how little or thinly distributed resources are.

scarce commodities

Highlights the rarity and value of the resources.

insufficient means

More generally refers to a lack of necessary means to achieve a goal.

inadequate funds

Specifically refers to a lack of monetary resources.

deficient materials

Points out the imperfection or insufficiency of available resources.

restricted assets

Suggests that the resources are controlled or not freely available.

FAQs

What does "scant resources" mean?

"Scant resources" refers to a situation where the available resources are very limited or insufficient for the task at hand. It implies a lack of necessary means, whether financial, material, or human.

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

You can use "scant resources" to describe a situation where there is a lack of funds, personnel, or materials. For example, "The hospital struggled to provide adequate care with its "limited resources"."

What are some alternatives to saying "scant resources"?

Alternatives to "scant resources" include "limited resources", "meager provisions", "scarce commodities", or "inadequate funds". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "scant resources" in formal writing?

Yes, "scant resources" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to describe a lack of resources, as seen in reputable publications like The New York Times and The Economist.