unable to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expressing their inability to make a payment, such as bills, loans, or services. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am currently unable to pay my rent this month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fuller, dead broke, was unable to pay.

The New Yorker

"I regret we are unable to pay".

The New York Times

I was unable to pay my bills.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Devines were unable to pay.

The New York Times

Unable to pay Gaza's civil service, Hamas is looking stingy.

The Economist

Unable to pay, he served a thirty-day jail sentence.

The New Yorker

Unable to pay, he withdrew to Chalcis, where he died.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In July, Ms. Smith was unable to pay rent.

The New York Times

Unable to pay off his loan, he lost his business.

The New York Times

"They are often unable to pay off their debts.

The New York Times

Unable to pay, many families have been driven into debt.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to pay" in formal writing, provide context for the inability. For example, specify the reason (e.g., "due to unforeseen circumstances") or the specific obligation (e.g., "unable to pay the rent").

Common error

Avoid using overly informal language when discussing serious financial situations. For example, instead of saying "I'm totally broke and unable to pay", opt for a more professional tone such as "Due to current financial constraints, I am unable to pay the full amount at this time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to pay" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of financial capacity. Ludwig examples show its use in describing individuals, companies, and even governments facing financial difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to pay" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a lack of financial capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as academic writing, and maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, providing context and avoiding overly informal language can enhance clarity and professionalism. Alternatives like "cannot afford to pay" or "insolvent" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot make payment

A direct statement of the inability to complete a financial transaction.

cannot afford to pay

Focuses on the affordability aspect, suggesting a lack of sufficient funds.

out of funds

Indicates that available money has been depleted.

in default of payment

A more formal and legalistic way to express the failure to pay.

financially strapped

Suggests a temporary shortage of money, making it difficult to meet financial obligations.

unable to settle

Highlights the inability to resolve or pay off a debt or obligation.

insolvent

Indicates a state of bankruptcy or financial ruin, implying a long-term inability to pay debts.

deficient in funds

A formal way of saying that there is a lack of necessary funds.

short on cash

An informal way to say there isn't enough money available at the moment.

broke

An informal term for lacking money; implies a temporary inability to pay.

FAQs

How can I use "unable to pay" in a sentence?

You can use "unable to pay" to describe a situation where someone or something cannot fulfill a financial obligation. For example: "The company was "unable to pay" its debts" or "I am "unable to pay" my bills this month".

What are some alternatives to saying "unable to pay"?

Alternatives include "cannot afford to pay", "in default of payment", or "insolvent", depending on the context and level of formality.

Which is correct: "unable to pay" or "not able to pay"?

Both "unable to pay" and "not able to pay" are grammatically correct, but "unable to pay" is often considered more concise and direct. They are largely interchangeable.

What's the difference between ""unable to pay"" and "unwilling to pay"?

"Unable to pay" means someone lacks the resources to make a payment, while "unwilling to pay" indicates a refusal to pay, despite having the means.