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Underfunding: meaning, definitions and examples

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underfunding

 

[ ˌʌndərˈfʌndɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

government funding

The insufficient allocation of funds, resources, or financial support, particularly by a government or organization. Underfunding can lead to a lack of essential services, infrastructure, or programs.

Synonyms

insufficient funding, underfinancing, underspending.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underfunding

Generally used to describe a situation where there is not enough money allocated for a specific project or organization. It implies a chronic lack of funds over time.

  • The public schools are suffering from years of underfunding
  • The underfunding of the healthcare system has led to many critical issues
underfinancing

Often used in financial or business contexts to describe the situation where a project, company, or initiative has not received the necessary investment it requires. It can also imply a negative outcome due to the lack of funds.

  • The startup failed due to underfinancing
  • The construction project has been delayed because of underfinancing
underspending

Used to describe a situation where less money is being spent than what was allocated or expected. It may imply that resources are not being fully utilized, sometimes with negative connotations of inefficiency.

  • The department's underspending led to criticism from upper management
  • Due to underspending on marketing, the campaign was unsuccessful
insufficient funding

Best used when highlighting a particular instance or short-term issue where the funds provided are simply not enough for the task or purpose at hand.

  • The charity is facing problems due to insufficient funding this year
  • We had to cancel the project because of insufficient funding

Examples of usage

  • The underfunding of public schools has resulted in overcrowded classrooms and outdated textbooks.
  • The underfunding of healthcare facilities has caused long waiting times and shortages of medical supplies.
Context #2 | Noun

non-profit organization

A situation where a non-profit organization does not receive enough donations or financial contributions to sustain its operations or fulfill its mission. Underfunding can hinder the organization's ability to make a positive impact.

Synonyms

donation deficit, financial shortfall, fund shortage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underfunding

Duplicate of the first word in this list, with the same usage and examples.
fund shortage

Similar to 'financial shortfall' but often implies a more temporary or immediate need for funds. Mostly used when discussing budgets or specific financial periods.

  • The library is facing a fund shortage and may have to reduce its hours.
  • Due to a fund shortage, the project has been delayed.
financial shortfall

Used when there is a general lack of funds to meet expenses or financial goals. Can be applied at various levels, including personal, corporate, or governmental finances.

  • The company experienced a financial shortfall due to lower than expected sales.
  • To avoid a financial shortfall, the city council must cut non-essential services.
donation deficit

Most suitable for non-profit organizations or charities when there is a significant gap between the expected and actual donations received.

  • The animal shelter is struggling due to a donation deficit this year.
  • A recent report revealed a donation deficit for many local charities.

Examples of usage

  • The underfunding of the charity led to the cancellation of several community programs.
  • The underfunding of the animal shelter meant that many animals could not receive proper care.

Translations

Translations of the word "underfunding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subfinanciamento

🇮🇳 अपर्याप्त वित्तपोषण

🇩🇪 Unterfinanzierung

🇮🇩 kurangnya dana

🇺🇦 недофінансування

🇵🇱 niedofinansowanie

🇯🇵 資金不足

🇫🇷 sous-financement

🇪🇸 subfinanciación

🇹🇷 yetersiz finansman

🇰🇷 재정 부족

🇸🇦 نقص التمويل

🇨🇿 nedostatečné financování

🇸🇰 nedostatočné financovanie

🇨🇳 资金不足

🇸🇮 nezadostno financiranje

🇮🇸 vanfjármögnun

🇰🇿 қаржыландырудың жеткіліксіздігі

🇬🇪 არასაკმარისი დაფინანსება

🇦🇿 maliyyələşmənin çatışmazlığı

🇲🇽 subfinanciación

Etymology

The term 'underfunding' originated from the verb 'underfund,' which first appeared in the mid-20th century. The prefix 'under-' indicates a lack or insufficiency, while 'fund' refers to financial resources. Underfunding often arises when there is a discrepancy between the resources needed for a particular purpose and the resources actually allocated. This term is commonly used in discussions about public services, education, healthcare, and non-profit organizations.

See also: fund, funder, funding, fundraiser, fundraising, funds, refund, underfund, unfunded.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,647 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.