short on resources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'short on resources' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe situations where a person, organization, or anything else has limited access to the resources needed. For example: "The small business was short on resources, so they had to look for ways to cut costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Short on resources, he said that at one point blazes that were 'a total loss' were left so that firefighters could get to fires that still could be controlled.

Huffington Post

No one disputes that the parole board is short on resources.

The New York Times

We're too long on studies and too short on resources".

The New York Times

But Brooklyn, short on resources and generous with art-frontier spirit, has done so.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Payo has found that the girls' families, often short on resources, welcome the program's support.

The New York Times

But their meandering espionage investigation had been short on resources and long on missed opportunities.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Who's shorter on resources than a postdoc.

Science Magazine

They are almost inevitably short of resources on land, and even when that is not so there is usually just one commodity to sell, putting them at the mercy of volatile global markets.

The New York Times

To attract more potential students Chinese teachers, related administrators and practitioners are encouraged to organize cultural activities to promote Chinese language and cultural awareness in local communities, especially in areas where the Chinese community is small and there is short of resources on Chinese culture.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Banking stress tests have been in focus since the 2008 crisis when banks across Europe were found to have run short of resources to withstand losses on loans and changes in the way they could raise finance on the money markets.

The Guardian - Business

The migrant birds that make it unscathed past Laotie Mountain are mostly bound, of course, for southeast Asia: a region well on its way to being clear-cut and strip-mined into one vast muddy pit, since China itself is hopelessly short on natural resources to supply the factories that supply us.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broad audience, avoid using it in highly formal or technical contexts where more precise language may be required.

Common error

Avoid using "short on resources" when the intended meaning is a lack of motivation or drive. The phrase specifically refers to a deficiency of tangible assets, not personal qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "short on resources" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a deficiency or lack of necessary means. Ludwig AI validates this usage, with examples showing how it describes entities ranging from organizations to individuals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "short on resources" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a lack of necessary means. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjectival phrase across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, with its neutral register making it widely applicable. While "short on resources" is commonly employed, writers should consider more precise alternatives like "lacking in resources" or "under-resourced" for formal contexts to achieve clarity. Avoiding its misuse by ensuring it refers to tangible deficits rather than personal attributes is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in resources

Emphasizes the deficiency or absence of resources; more formal.

resource-constrained

Highlights the limitation imposed by the scarcity of resources; often used in technical contexts.

strapped for cash

Specifically refers to a lack of financial resources; less formal.

in short supply of resources

Indicates scarcity or limited availability of resources; slightly more verbose.

under-resourced

Focuses on the condition of not having enough resources; commonly used in organizational contexts.

deficient in resources

Highlights the inadequacy of resources; more formal and less common.

lacking adequate resources

Emphasizes that the available resources are not sufficient; more descriptive.

financially challenged

Focuses specifically on monetary difficulties; a more euphemistic expression.

on a shoestring budget

Implies operating with very limited financial resources; more informal.

in a state of scarcity

Describes a general condition of limited resources; more dramatic.

FAQs

How can I use "short on resources" in a sentence?

You can use "short on resources" to describe a situation where there is a lack of necessary means or supplies. For example, "The project was delayed because we were "short on resources"."

What are some alternatives to "short on resources"?

Some alternatives include "lacking in resources", "under-resourced", or "resource-constrained", depending on the context.

Is "short on resources" a formal or informal expression?

"Short on resources" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and moderately formal contexts. However, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "deficient in resources".

What's the difference between "short on resources" and "lacking ambition"?

"Short on resources" refers to a lack of material or financial means, while "lacking ambition" describes a lack of motivation or drive. The two phrases are not interchangeable.