Hard-up

Hard-up describes a state of financial difficulty, characterized by a lack of money and resources. It implies a struggle to meet basic needs and obligations. This can involve being short on cash, having limited funds for expenses, and needing to carefully manage finances to get by. The feeling can lead to stress, anxiety, and limitations in lifestyle choices. The severity of 'hard-up' can range from temporary cash flow problems to more sustained poverty. It can also imply being in debt, struggling to pay bills, and having difficulty affording essentials like food, rent, or transportation.

Hard-up meaning with examples

• After losing his job, Mark became Hard-up and was forced to borrow money from friends to cover rent. He spent weeks searching for employment, constantly worrying about his dwindling savings. Ultimately, his financial state took a toll on his mental health, making his job search even harder.
• The sudden car repairs left Sarah Hard-up for the month. She had to cut back on groceries and skip a few social outings to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, she managed to prioritize her needs, budgeting carefully until her next paycheck.
• The small business owner found herself Hard-up during the economic downturn, facing dwindling sales and rising operational costs. She tried to seek government assistance, but the process was slow, adding to her financial strain. This required her to reduce staffing to control costs.
• John, a student, was always Hard-up as his student loan only covered his accommodation. He had a part-time job, working weekends to pay for his books and food, relying on very little expenditure to be able to survive.