in straitened circumstances

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Word: In Straitened Circumstances

Definition: The phrase "in straitened circumstances" means that someone is in a difficult financial situation and does not have enough money to pay for basic needs like food, clothing, or shelter.

Usage Instructions:

• The phrase is used to describe a person's financial condition.
• It is often used in more formal or literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation.

Example:

• "After losing his job, he found himself in straitened circumstances, struggling to afford even the most basic necessities."

Advanced Usage:

• You might encounter this phrase in news articles, literature, or discussions about social issues. It's a more formal way to discuss poverty or financial hardship.

Word Variants:

• Straitened (adjective): Refers to being restricted or limited in a way that affects comfort or well-being.
• Strait (noun): A narrow passage of water or can mean a difficult situation.

Different Meanings:

• "Straitened" can also describe a situation that is limited or constrained in a non-financial sense, such as being in a difficult or narrow position in life or choices.

Synonyms:

• Financially challenged
• In need
• Impoverished
• Underprivileged
• Hard up

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Living paycheck to paycheck": This idiom describes someone who spends all their income and has little or no savings, similar to being in straitened circumstances.
• "Broke": A casual way to say that someone has no money.

Summary:

"In straitened circumstances" is a formal way to talk about someone who does not have enough money to meet their basic needs. It highlights the challenges they face financially.

Academic

Adjective

1. not having enough money to pay for necessities

Synonyms

• hard up
• impecunious
• in straitened circumstances
• penniless
• penurious
• pinched