Hard up
adjective
Having very little money, in a difficult financial situation.
After losing his job, he's hard up and can't afford to pay his rent.
Often appears as...
- hard up for cash
- hard up for money
Usage tips
Informal
adjective
Desperate or in urgent need of something other than money.
They are hard up for volunteers for the weekend event.
Often appears as...
- hard up for volunteers
- hard up for ideas
Usage tips
Informal
adjective
In a state of sexual arousal (slang).
She's so attractive, every guy around her is hard up.
Usage tips
Slang, Disapproving
Vulgar
adjective
Having very little money, in a difficult financial situation.
After losing his job, he's hard up and can't afford to pay his rent.
Often appears as...
- hard up for cash
- hard up for money
Usage tips
Informal
adjective
Desperate or in urgent need of something other than money.
They are hard up for volunteers for the weekend event.
Often appears as...
- hard up for volunteers
- hard up for ideas
Usage tips
Informal
adjective
In a state of sexual arousal (slang).
She's so attractive, every guy around her is hard up.
Usage tips
Slang, Disapproving
Vulgar
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Financial Distress
Use 'hard up' to express significant financial stress, suggesting difficulty in meeting basic needs.
Ever since the factory closed, people in the town have been really hard up.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary State
'Hard up' often implies a temporary situation, not a permanent financial status.
I'm a bit hard up until my next paycheck, but I'll be fine after that.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Usage
The term 'hard up' is casual and might be inappropriate in formal financial discussions.
Don't tell the bank manager we're hard up; explain our cash flow situation professionally.
Pro Tip 1/3Financial Distress
Use 'hard up' to express significant financial stress, suggesting difficulty in meeting basic needs.
Ever since the factory closed, people in the town have been really hard up.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary State
'Hard up' often implies a temporary situation, not a permanent financial status.
I'm a bit hard up until my next paycheck, but I'll be fine after that.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Usage
The term 'hard up' is casual and might be inappropriate in formal financial discussions.
Don't tell the bank manager we're hard up; explain our cash flow situation professionally.
Pro Tip 1/3Financial Distress
Use 'hard up' to express significant financial stress, suggesting difficulty in meeting basic needs.
Ever since the factory closed, people in the town have been really hard up.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary State
'Hard up' often implies a temporary situation, not a permanent financial status.
I'm a bit hard up until my next paycheck, but I'll be fine after that.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Usage
The term 'hard up' is casual and might be inappropriate in formal financial discussions.
Don't tell the bank manager we're hard up; explain our cash flow situation professionally.
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