under budget

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under budget" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when talking about financial matters. For example: We were able to complete the project under budget.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Was it "under budget"?

The Washington Post

And do it under budget if possible.

The New Yorker

Initially, each project was completed under budget.

University of California, Berkeley

Surprisingly our project was under budget.

Cornell University

"We're ahead of schedule and under budget".

The New York Times

On time and under budget, he added.

The New York Times

Department spending regularly come in under budget.

The Guardian

So I built it under budget.

The Washington Post

And ideally, under time and under budget.

The New York Times

It's to come in under budget.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Particularly when IT security teams are small and under-budget.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under budget", provide specific figures or percentages to quantify the savings. This strengthens the impact and credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "under budget" implies a lack of budgetary oversight. It signifies efficient use of allocated funds, not the absence of a budget altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under budget" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (often related to projects, departments, or campaigns). According to Ludwig, this phrase is used correctly and effectively in describing financial situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under budget" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations where actual expenses are less than the allocated budget. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Academia, and Science. Its primary function is to convey successful financial management and efficiency. For clearer writing, consider quantifying savings with specific figures or percentages. Related phrases include "below budget", "cost-effective", and "economical". Avoid the misconception that "under budget" implies a lack of budgetary oversight. By keeping these points in mind, you can confidently and effectively use the phrase "under budget" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below budget

This alternative directly indicates that expenses were less than the allocated budget.

within budget

This implies adherence to the budget, potentially with some room to spare.

cost-effective

This highlights the efficiency in managing costs, resulting in savings.

economical

This suggests careful and efficient use of resources, leading to lower expenses.

frugal

This emphasizes thriftiness and avoiding unnecessary spending.

budget-friendly

This indicates that something is affordable and doesn't strain the budget.

cheaper than expected

This emphasizes that the final cost was less than initially anticipated.

less expensive

This is a straightforward comparison indicating lower costs.

lower cost

This phrase simply highlights the reduced financial outlay.

cost-saving

Focuses on the action of saving money, suggesting efficient financial practices.

FAQs

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

You can use "under budget" to describe a project, department, or campaign that spent less money than initially allocated. For example, "The project was completed "under budget", saving the company a significant amount of money."

What's a good alternative to saying "under budget"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "below budget", "cost-effective", or "economical" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to be "under budget" or "within budget"?

Being ""under budget"" is generally preferable, as it implies that you not only stayed within your allocated funds but also managed to save money. Being "within budget" simply means that you didn't exceed your allocation.

What does it mean when a project is described as being "on time and under budget"?

It means that the project was completed by the deadline and with less money than was initially projected. This is generally considered a highly successful outcome.