Be hard up for something
phrasal verb
To be in need or desperate for something.
Since the layoff, Steve has been hard up for work.
Often appears as...
- hard up for money
- hard up for work
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To lack something greatly because of shortage.
During the drought, the farmers were hard up for water.
Often appears as...
- hard up for water
- hard up for resources
phrasal verb
To lack or being short of cash or money.
After paying my tuition fees, I am hard up for money.
Often appears as...
- hard up for cash
- hard up for money
Usage tips
Informal
phrasal verb
To be in need or desperate for something.
Since the layoff, Steve has been hard up for work.
Often appears as...
- hard up for money
- hard up for work
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To lack something greatly because of shortage.
During the drought, the farmers were hard up for water.
Often appears as...
- hard up for water
- hard up for resources
phrasal verb
To lack or being short of cash or money.
After paying my tuition fees, I am hard up for money.
Often appears as...
- hard up for cash
- hard up for money
Usage tips
Informal
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Dire Need
Describes an urgent or pressing requirement, often because other options are unavailable.
I'm hard up for a car since mine broke down.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Choosy
Implies one can't be selective due to the necessity and accepts what is available.
I'm hard up for a roommate, so I can't be picky.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
Conveys a sense of struggle or hardship, often invoking sympathy or understanding.
She's been hard up for support since she lost her job.
Pro Tip 1/3Dire Need
Describes an urgent or pressing requirement, often because other options are unavailable.
I'm hard up for a car since mine broke down.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Choosy
Implies one can't be selective due to the necessity and accepts what is available.
I'm hard up for a roommate, so I can't be picky.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
Conveys a sense of struggle or hardship, often invoking sympathy or understanding.
She's been hard up for support since she lost her job.
Pro Tip 1/3Dire Need
Describes an urgent or pressing requirement, often because other options are unavailable.
I'm hard up for a car since mine broke down.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Choosy
Implies one can't be selective due to the necessity and accepts what is available.
I'm hard up for a roommate, so I can't be picky.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
Conveys a sense of struggle or hardship, often invoking sympathy or understanding.
She's been hard up for support since she lost her job.
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