steep budget

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steep budget" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a budget that is high or difficult to manage, often implying that it requires significant financial resources or sacrifices. Example: "The project was ambitious, but the steep budget made it challenging to secure the necessary funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Portugal, for instance, saw its debt-to-GDP ratio rise after imposing steep budget cuts.

The New York Times

Most states face steep budget deficits, sometimes in the billions of dollars.

The New York Times

And while districts elsewhere are suffering under steep budget cuts, support from local businesses and foundations has helped cushion Emery.

The New York Times

Lawmakers are also planning steep budget cuts in the Medicaid program to tackle the state's yawning deficits.

The New York Times - Health

Now, in the face of steep budget cuts, he is fighting to protect what he helped build.

The New York Times

Veteran officers quit the agency in large numbers, while steep budget cuts meant that few were being replaced.

The New York Times

They said the city, which is facing steep budget deficits, would begin to arrest people who steal water.

The New York Times

But women's groups said that steep budget cuts imposed on the local authorities, a major source of funding, were taking their toll.

The New York Times

For, outside of some slight slack on spending cuts, there is no getting around the fact that Greece must enforce steep budget reductions in the future.

The New York Times

Steep budget cuts have not been enough to offset the unprecedented plunge in tax collections that resulted from unemployment and other aspects of the downturn.

The New York Times

Idaho, reeling like so many other states from a steep budget deficit, proposed saving money on maintenance by closing several parks along the Snake, including Niagara Springs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steep budget" when describing cuts to financial plans and avoid it to define a budget by itself, as the term implies that some budget already existed.

Common error

Avoid using "steep budget" to describe a plan's costs or ambition. It is more suitable for describing either reductions or scenarios where the financial needs are difficult to manage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steep budget" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "steep" modifies the noun "budget". It describes the nature or characteristic of the budget, indicating it's either challenging or involves significant cuts. Ludwig confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steep budget" is a common phrase used to describe a financial plan that is either facing significant cuts or requires skillful management to overcome challenges. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. When using this term, emphasize the difficulties associated with managing or cutting the budget. Alternative phrases like "tight budget" or "drastic budget cuts" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using it to simply describe a high cost or ambitious plan.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight budget

Focuses more on the restrictiveness of the budget rather than the size of potential cuts.

drastic budget cuts

Suggests a more severe and impactful reduction in funding than a "steep budget".

hefty budget

Emphasizes the large amount of money involved rather than potential constraints or reductions.

severe budget constraints

Highlights limitations and restrictions on spending due to limited financial resources.

significant budget reduction

Specifically points to a decrease in funds, useful when emphasizing the action of cutting.

substantial budget

Highlights the considerable size of the budget, often in a positive or neutral context.

large budget deficit

Focuses on the shortfall in funds rather than the size or potential reductions.

challenging fiscal situation

Highlights the difficulties faced in managing finances, indicating broader issues.

considerable financial limitations

Indicates general financial restrictions rather than a specific budget.

ambitious financial plan

Highlights the expansive nature of the budget, often involving significant investment.

FAQs

What does "steep budget" mean?

"Steep budget" refers to a budget that involves significant financial commitments, potentially requiring substantial cuts or difficult financial decisions to manage. It suggests a challenging fiscal environment.

How can I use "steep budget" in a sentence?

You can use "steep budget" to describe situations where there are significant financial constraints, such as: "The organization faced a "steep budget" due to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "steep budget"?

Alternatives include "tight budget", "significant budget reduction", or "drastic budget cuts", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "steep budget increase"?

While grammatically correct, "steep budget increase" can be contradictory. "Steep" typically implies reductions or challenges. Consider alternatives like "substantial budget increase" or "significant budget increase" for positive connotations.