under-resourced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under-resourced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, organization, or group that lacks sufficient resources, such as funding, personnel, or materials. Example: "The project was ultimately unsuccessful because it was severely under-resourced, lacking both staff and budget to meet its goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He had to creatively resource the new and under-resourced Continental Army.

Huffington Post

"I'm really under-resourced.

The Guardian

desk as overstretched and under-resourced.

The New York Times

It was badly planned and under-resourced.

The New York Times

The whole transition is very under-resourced".

The Guardian

In developing countries all aspects of sports are under-resourced.

The Guardian

She said: "We are under-resourced and definitely understaffed.

The Guardian

But they are already overstretched and under-resourced.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Our perinatal services are short staffed and under resourced.

The Guardian - Opinion

The removals system is inefficient, under resourced and overwhelmed.

The Guardian

Social work, meanwhile, is still vilified, under resourced and held responsible for all that is wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an organization or project, specify which resources are lacking (e.g., "under-resourced in terms of personnel and equipment").

Common error

While "under-resourced" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language like "lacking sufficient funding" or "experiencing a shortage of qualified personnel."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under-resourced" functions primarily as an adjective used to describe a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies lacks the necessary resources to operate effectively. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in describing organizations, projects, or systems that are inadequately funded or staffed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "under-resourced" is a common adjective used to describe a lack of sufficient resources, most often financial. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media. When using "under-resourced", be specific about what type of resources are lacking to enhance clarity. While widely accepted, more formal alternatives like "lacking adequate resources" may be preferable in academic writing. Common alternatives include "underfunded", "poorly funded", and "lacking adequate resources".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Underfunded

Focuses specifically on the lack of financial resources.

Poorly funded

Similar to underfunded, but may suggest a more severe lack of funding.

Short of resources

A more general term that encompasses all types of resources, not just financial ones.

Lacking adequate resources

More formal and emphasizes the inadequacy of the available resources.

Resource-constrained

Emphasizes the limitations imposed by the scarcity of resources.

Inadequately supported

Highlights the lack of support, which can include funding, personnel, or other resources.

Stretched thin

Indicates that resources are being used to their maximum capacity, often leading to strain.

Operating with limited means

Focuses on the act of functioning despite having few resources.

Deprived of resources

Highlights that resources are missing.

Scarce in resources

Focuses that the resources are lacking.

FAQs

How can I use "under-resourced" in a sentence?

You can use "under-resourced" to describe entities lacking sufficient resources. For example, "The school was severely "under-resourced", which impacted the quality of education."

What are some alternatives to "under-resourced"?

Alternatives include "underfunded", "poorly funded", or "lacking adequate resources" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "under-resourced" or "lacking resources"?

"Under-resourced" is a concise way of saying "lacking resources". The better choice depends on the desired level of formality and context. "Lacking resources" might be preferred in very formal writing.

What does it mean when something is described as "under-resourced"?

It means the entity in question does not have enough resources—be it financial, personnel, or material—to function effectively or meet its goals. The severity of being "under-resourced" can vary.