In a world where we always seem to be running out of time, money, or even patience, it’s important to have the right words to express our frustration at not having enough. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top slang phrases for “not enough”. From “barely scraping by” to “running on fumes,” we’ve got you covered with the perfect phrases to describe those moments when there’s just not enough to go around. So sit back, relax, and get ready to nod your head in agreement as we explore the language of scarcity.
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1. Diddly-squat
This slang term is used to express a complete absence or lack of something. It emphasizes that there is absolutely nothing present or available.
- For example, “After searching the entire house, I found diddly-squat.”
- When asked about his contribution to the project, he replied, “I diddly-squat, sorry.”
- A disappointed customer might say, “I paid a lot of money for this service, and I got diddly-squat in return.”
2. Zilch
Zilch is a slang term that means zero or nothing. It is often used to emphasize the complete absence or lack of something.
- For instance, “I have zilch interest in that movie.”
- When asked how much progress he had made on the report, he replied, “Zilch, I haven’t started yet.”
- A person might say, “I searched everywhere, but I found zilch.”
3. Nada
Nada is a slang term that means “nothing” or “zero.” It is commonly used to express a complete absence or lack of something.
- For example, “I have nada in my wallet, can you lend me some money?”
- When asked about his plans for the weekend, he replied, “Nada, I’m just going to relax at home.”
- A person might say, “I’ve been waiting for hours, and still, nada.”
4. Jack squat
Jack squat is a slang term that means nothing at all or absolutely nothing. It is often used to express a complete absence or lack of something.
- For instance, “I’ve been sitting here for hours, and I’ve accomplished jack squat.”
- When asked about his knowledge on the subject, he replied, “I know jack squat about it.”
- A disappointed person might say, “I put in so much effort, and I got jack squat in return.”
5. Zip
Zip is a slang term that means nothing or zero. It is commonly used to indicate a complete absence or lack of something.
- For example, “I have zip interest in attending that party.”
- When asked about his progress on the project, he replied, “I’ve done zip so far.”
- A person might say, “I searched high and low, but I found zip.”
6. Nil
Nil is a term used to indicate zero or nothing. It is commonly used in sports to represent a score of zero for a team.
- For example, “The home team scored nil in the first half.”
- In a game of soccer, a commentator might say, “The final score was two-nil in favor of the visiting team.”
- A person might say, “I have nil interest in attending that event.”
7. Goose egg
Goose egg is a slang term used to represent the number zero. It is often used in sports to indicate that a team or player did not score any points.
- For instance, “The home team ended the game with a goose egg on the scoreboard.”
- In a basketball game, a commentator might say, “The star player has been held to a goose egg in the scoring column.”
- A person might say, “I tried my best, but I ended up with a goose egg on the exam.”
8. Nix
Nix is a term used to represent nothing or no amount. It is often used to indicate the absence or lack of something.
- For example, “I asked for extra cheese on my burger, but they gave me nix.”
- In a conversation about plans, someone might say, “We have nix on the agenda for tomorrow.”
- A person might say, “I searched the entire house, but there was nix to be found.”
9. Squat
Squat is a slang term used to represent nothing or no amount. It is often used to indicate the absence or lack of something.
- For instance, “I’ve got squat in my wallet right now.”
- In a discussion about contributions, someone might say, “He didn’t do squat to help with the project.”
- A person might say, “After all that effort, we ended up with squat.”
10. Bupkis
Bupkis is a slang term used to represent nothing or no amount. It is often used to emphasize a lack or absence of something.
- For example, “I’ve been searching for hours, but I found bupkis.”
- In a conversation about rewards, someone might say, “All our hard work and we got bupkis.”
- A person might say, “I asked for a raise, but my boss gave me bupkis.”
11. Didley
This term is used to describe an absence or lack of something. It can also be used to express disappointment or dissatisfaction.
- For example, if someone asks, “What did you find at the store?” and you found nothing, you might respond, “I found didley.”
- When someone offers you something you don’t want, you might say, “I don’t want didley.”
- If you are expecting a big reward but receive nothing, you might exclaim, “I got didley!”
12. Nought
This term is used to refer to the number zero or to indicate a complete absence of something.
- For instance, if you have no money, you might say, “I’ve got nought in my bank account.”
- When asked how many points you scored in a game, if you didn’t score any, you might respond, “I got nought.”
- If someone asks how many tickets are left for the concert and there are none, you might say, “There are nought tickets left.”
13. Bugger all
This term is used to indicate a complete lack of something or to express disappointment or frustration.
- For example, if someone asks what you’ve been doing all day and you haven’t done anything, you might respond, “Bugger all.”
- When someone promises to help you but does nothing, you might say, “They did bugger all.”
- If you have no luck finding something you need, you might exclaim, “I found bugger all!”
14. Sweet Fanny Adams
This term is used to indicate a complete absence of something or to express disappointment or disapproval.
- For instance, if someone asks what you accomplished during the day and you didn’t do anything, you might respond, “Sweet Fanny Adams.”
- When someone offers you a small portion of food, you might say, “That’s sweet Fanny Adams.”
- If you receive no reward for your hard work, you might exclaim, “I got sweet Fanny Adams!”
15. Dinky-di
This term is used to describe a small or insufficient amount of something.
- For example, if someone asks how much money you have, and it’s not much, you might say, “I’ve got dinky-di.”
- When someone asks how much progress you’ve made on a project, and you haven’t made much, you might respond, “I’ve done dinky-di.”
- If you receive a small portion of food at a restaurant, you might comment, “That’s dinky-di!”
16. Sod all
This slang phrase is used to express that there is absolutely nothing or very little of something.
- For example, “I searched the entire house, but there was sod all to eat.”
- In a conversation about a disappointing event, someone might say, “The party was a disaster. There was sod all to do.”
- A person might complain, “I worked all day and got sod all done.”
17. Not a sausage
This phrase is used to indicate the absence of something or the lack of any progress or results.
- For instance, “I’ve been waiting for hours, and there’s not a sausage in sight.”
- In a discussion about a failed project, someone might say, “We put in a lot of effort, but in the end, there was not a sausage to show for it.”
- A person might express frustration, “I’ve been studying for hours, but I understand not a sausage of this material.”
18. Nary a bit
This phrase is used to emphasize the complete absence or lack of something.
- For example, “I’ve looked everywhere, but there’s nary a bit of chocolate left.”
- In a conversation about a disappointing meal, someone might say, “The portion size was tiny. There was nary a bit of food on the plate.”
- A person might complain, “I’ve been searching for hours, but there’s nary a bit of information on this topic.”
19. Doodly-squat
This slang term is used to emphasize the complete absence or insignificance of something.
- For instance, “I’ve been waiting all day, and I’ve accomplished doodly-squat.”
- In a discussion about a failed attempt, someone might say, “I tried my best, but I achieved doodly-squat.”
- A person might express disappointment, “I thought I would find something interesting, but this book has doodly-squat in it.”
20. Niente
This is an Italian word that is commonly used in English to mean “nothing”.
- For example, “I asked for help, but I got niente.”
- In a conversation about a disappointing outcome, someone might say, “All my efforts led to niente.”
- A person might express frustration, “I’ve been trying for weeks, but I’ve achieved niente.”
21. Diddly
Diddly is a slang term used to describe a small or insignificant amount of something. It is often used to express that there is not enough of something.
- For example, “I have diddly in my bank account right now.”
- In a conversation about food, someone might say, “There’s diddly left in the fridge.”
- A person discussing their workload might say, “I got diddly done today.”
22. Diddly-doo
Diddly-doo is a slang term used to emphasize that there is absolutely nothing or no amount of something. It is a playful way to express that there is not enough of something.
- For instance, “I have diddly-doo to wear to the party.”
- In a conversation about plans, someone might say, “We’ve got diddly-doo on the agenda.”
- A person talking about their skills might say, “I know diddly-doo about coding.”
23. Diddly-dang
Diddly-dang is a slang term used to describe a small or insignificant amount of something. It is often used to express that there is not enough of something.
- For example, “I’ve got diddly-dang in my wallet right now.”
- In a conversation about supplies, someone might say, “We’ve got diddly-dang left.”
- A person discussing their progress might say, “I’ve made diddly-dang headway on this project.”
24. Diddly-darn
Diddly-darn is a slang term used to describe a small or insignificant amount of something. It is often used to express that there is not enough of something.
- For instance, “I have diddly-darn time to finish this assignment.”
- In a conversation about options, someone might say, “We’ve got diddly-darn choices.”
- A person discussing their energy levels might say, “I’ve got diddly-darn left in the tank.”
25. Diddly-squatola
Diddly-squatola is a slang term used to emphasize that there is absolutely nothing or no amount of something. It is a playful way to express that there is not enough of something.
- For example, “I have diddly-squatola to contribute to the conversation.”
- In a conversation about resources, someone might say, “We’ve got diddly-squatola in terms of funding.”
- A person talking about their knowledge might say, “I know diddly-squatola about quantum physics.”
26. Diddly-wink
This phrase is used to convey a small or insignificant amount of something. It is often used in a lighthearted or playful manner.
- For example, “I have diddly-wink knowledge about that subject.”
- Someone might say, “I didn’t get diddly-wink done today.”
- In a conversation about a disappointing performance, a person might comment, “Their efforts amounted to diddly-wink.”
27. Diddly-doodle
This phrase is used to describe a trivial or unimportant action. It is often used humorously or to downplay the significance of something.
- For instance, “I didn’t do diddly-doodle all day.”
- Someone might say, “I’m just doodling around, not accomplishing much.”
- In a conversation about someone’s lack of effort, a person might comment, “They’re just diddly-doodling their way through life.”
28. Insufficient
This term is used to describe a quantity or level that is not enough to meet a particular requirement or expectation. It implies a lack or deficiency.
- For example, “The amount of food provided was insufficient for the number of guests.”
- In a discussion about a budget, someone might say, “Our current funding is insufficient to cover all our expenses.”
- A person expressing dissatisfaction with a product might comment, “The battery life is insufficient for my needs.”
29. Lacking
This word is used to describe a situation where something is missing or not present in the desired amount or quality. It implies a sense of deficiency or a need for more.
- For instance, “The team is lacking in experience.”
- Someone might say, “This essay is lacking in supporting evidence.”
- In a conversation about a person’s skills, a comment might be made, “They’re lacking in basic knowledge.”
30. Short
This term is used to describe something that falls below the expected or required level. It suggests a shortage or inadequacy.
- For example, “We’re short on staff for tonight’s event.”
- In a discussion about finances, someone might say, “I’m short on cash this month.”
- A person expressing disappointment with a book might comment, “The ending fell short of my expectations.”
31. Scant
This term refers to something that is lacking in quantity or not enough in amount. It can be used to describe a shortage or a small amount of something.
- For example, “There was only a scant amount of food left in the pantry.”
- In a conversation about resources, someone might say, “We have to make do with the scant supplies we have.”
- A person might complain, “The information provided was scant and not enough to make a decision.”
32. Deficient
This word describes something that is not enough or lacking in some way. It implies that there is a shortage or insufficiency of something.
- For instance, “The team’s performance was deficient in many areas.”
- In a discussion about education, someone might say, “The school system is deficient in resources.”
- A person might comment, “The company’s budget was deficient and couldn’t cover all expenses.”
33. Scarce
This term describes something that is in short supply or difficult to find. It suggests that there is not enough of something and it is rare or limited.
- For example, “During the drought, water became scarce in the region.”
- In a conversation about collectibles, someone might say, “Rare stamps are scarce and highly sought after.”
- A person might mention, “Job opportunities are scarce in this industry.”
34. Limited
This word indicates that something is not enough or restricted in some way. It implies that there are limitations or constraints on the availability or quantity of something.
- For instance, “The store has a limited selection of products.”
- In a discussion about travel, someone might say, “My budget is limited, so I can’t afford a luxury vacation.”
- A person might explain, “Due to limited resources, we can only take on a few projects at a time.”
35. Sparse
This term describes something that is not enough or thinly spread out. It suggests that there is a lack of density or abundance in something.
- For example, “The audience was sparse at the early morning show.”
- In a conversation about vegetation, someone might say, “The desert has sparse plant life.”
- A person might comment, “The sparse information provided was not enough to solve the problem.”
36. Meager
When something is described as meager, it means that it is insufficient or inadequate in amount or size.
- For example, “He gave me a meager portion of food for dinner.”
- In a review of a restaurant, one might say, “The portion sizes were meager, especially for the price.”
- A person discussing their salary might say, “I can barely afford rent with my meager paycheck.”
37. Paltry
Paltry is used to describe something that is considered to be small, insignificant, or of little value.
- For instance, “She received a paltry sum of money for her hard work.”
- In a conversation about job benefits, one might say, “The company offers a paltry vacation package.”
- A person complaining about a restaurant might say, “The portion sizes were paltry for the price we paid.”
38. Dearth
Dearth refers to a scarcity or shortage of something, indicating that it is not enough or insufficient in quantity.
- For example, “There is a dearth of affordable housing in the city.”
- In a discussion about resources, one might say, “There is a dearth of clean drinking water in many parts of the world.”
- A person discussing job opportunities might say, “There is a dearth of employment options in this industry.”
39. Wanting
When something is described as wanting, it means that it is lacking or deficient in a particular aspect.
- For instance, “The report was wanting in detail and accuracy.”
- In a review of a product, one might say, “The performance of the device was wanting.”
- A person discussing a relationship might say, “Their communication skills are wanting, leading to frequent misunderstandings.”
40. Inadequate
Inadequate refers to something that is not sufficient or suitable for a particular purpose, indicating that it is not enough or falls short of expectations.
- For example, “The safety measures in place are inadequate to prevent accidents.”
- In a discussion about education, one might say, “The current funding for schools is inadequate to provide quality education.”
- A person reviewing a movie might say, “The plot development was inadequate, leaving many unanswered questions.”
41. Barely enough
This phrase is used to describe a situation where there is just enough of something, but not more than what is needed. It implies that the quantity or quality is not satisfactory, but it is still enough to get by.
- For example, “We had barely enough money to pay the bills this month.”
- In a discussion about food portions, someone might say, “The serving size was barely enough to satisfy my hunger.”
- A person describing their workload might say, “I have barely enough time to finish all my tasks.”
42. Not up to par
This phrase is used to convey that something or someone is not performing or functioning at the level that is considered satisfactory or acceptable.
- For instance, “The quality of the product is not up to par with what was advertised.”
- In a review of a restaurant, someone might say, “The service was not up to par with other establishments in the area.”
- A coach might criticize a player by saying, “Your performance today was not up to par.”
43. Short-handed
This term is used to describe a situation where there are not enough individuals or resources to effectively accomplish a task or meet a demand.
- For example, “We were short-handed at work today, so everyone had to take on extra responsibilities.”
- In a discussion about a sports team, someone might say, “They were short-handed due to injuries, which affected their performance.”
- A person describing a difficult situation might say, “We were short-handed and struggling to keep up with the workload.”
44. Not cutting it
This phrase is used to express that something or someone is not performing or achieving what is expected or required.
- For instance, “Your excuses are not cutting it. We need results.”
- In a discussion about a job candidate, someone might say, “Their qualifications were not cutting it for the position.”
- A person expressing dissatisfaction with a product might say, “The quality of this item is not cutting it for the price.”
45. In short supply
This phrase is used to describe a situation where there is a limited quantity or availability of something, making it difficult to obtain or acquire.
- For example, “During the pandemic, hand sanitizers were in short supply.”
- In a discussion about housing, someone might say, “Affordable apartments are in short supply in this city.”
- A person describing a popular item might say, “Tickets for the concert are in short supply and selling out fast.”
46. Running low
When something is “running low,” it means that there is not much of it left or it is close to being depleted.
- For example, “We’re running low on milk, we need to buy more.”
- A person might say, “My energy is running low, I need to take a break.”
- In a conversation about supplies, someone might mention, “Our office is running low on paper, we should order more.”
47. Few and far between
When something is “few and far between,” it means that it is not happening or available very often. It is rare or infrequent.
- For instance, “Opportunities like this are few and far between.”
- A person might say, “Good job opportunities in this field are few and far between.”
- In a discussion about finding true love, someone might say, “Meaningful connections can be few and far between.”
48. Not quite there
When something is “not quite there,” it means that it is close to reaching a desired state or goal, but it hasn’t fully achieved it yet.
- For example, “Her performance was good, but not quite there.”
- A person might say, “I’m close to finishing the project, but I’m not quite there yet.”
- In a conversation about meeting a fitness goal, someone might say, “I’ve made progress, but I’m not quite there in terms of my strength.”
49. Falling short
When something is “falling short,” it means that it is not meeting the expectations or requirements.
- For instance, “The team’s performance is falling short of what was expected.”
- A person might say, “I tried my best, but I feel like I’m falling short.”
- In a discussion about a product, someone might mention, “The battery life is falling short of what was advertised.”
50. Not making the grade
When something is “not making the grade,” it means that it is not meeting the expected standard or level of quality.
- For example, “His performance is not making the grade, he needs to improve.”
- A person might say, “I studied hard, but I’m still not making the grade in this subject.”
- In a conversation about a restaurant, someone might say, “The food was not making the grade, it was bland and poorly cooked.”
51. Pinched
When someone is “pinched,” it means they are lacking something, usually money or resources. It can also refer to a situation where there is not enough of something.
- For example, “I can’t afford to go out tonight, I’m pinched for cash.”
- A person might say, “The company is pinched for resources, so we need to be careful with our spending.”
- In a discussion about food, someone might mention, “We’re pinched for ingredients, so we’ll have to make do with what we have.”
52. Skimpy
When something is described as “skimpy,” it means it is inadequate or not enough. It can refer to clothing, portions of food, or any other item or situation that lacks the desired amount or quality.
- For instance, “The dress was too skimpy for the formal event.”
- A person might complain, “The portion sizes at that restaurant are always skimpy.”
- In a discussion about salary, someone might say, “The company’s offer was skimpy, so I decided to look for another job.”
53. Tight
When something is “tight,” it means it is insufficient or not enough. This can refer to money, space, time, or any other resource that is limited or restricted.
- For example, “I can’t afford to go on vacation this year, my budget is too tight.”
- A person might say, “The deadline is tight, so we need to work extra hours to finish the project.”
- In a discussion about housing, someone might mention, “The rental market is tight right now, it’s hard to find an affordable apartment.”
54. Scrounging
When someone is “scrounging,” it means they are searching for scraps or small amounts of something, usually food or money. It can also refer to a situation where someone is desperately trying to find or obtain something that is in short supply.
- For instance, “I’m scrounging for change to buy a cup of coffee.”
- A person might say, “We’re scrounging for food in the pantry, there’s not much left.”
- In a discussion about job opportunities, someone might mention, “I’ve been scrounging for work for months, but it’s tough out there.”
55. Strapped
When someone is “strapped,” it means they have barely enough of something, usually money or resources. It can also refer to a situation where someone is financially or resourcefully limited.
- For example, “I can’t afford to buy a new car, I’m strapped for cash.”
- A person might say, “The team is strapped for time, so we need to work efficiently.”
- In a discussion about funding, someone might mention, “The organization is strapped for resources, so we need to prioritize our spending.”
56. Handful
This slang term is used to describe a situation where there is not enough of something.
- For example, “I only have a handful of cash left, so I can’t afford to go out tonight.”
- In a discussion about food, someone might say, “The restaurant only gave me a handful of fries, it wasn’t enough.”
- A person complaining about their workload might say, “I have a handful of assignments due tomorrow, it’s overwhelming.”
57. Scrimp
This slang term refers to the act of being frugal or cutting back on expenses or resources.
- For instance, “I have to scrimp on groceries this week because I spent too much last week.”
- A person discussing budgeting might say, “I scrimp on unnecessary expenses in order to save money.”
- Someone might complain, “I hate having to scrimp on vacations, but I need to save up for other things.”
58. Pinch
This slang term is used to describe a situation where there is not enough of something.
- For example, “I’m in a pinch for time, I have too many deadlines to meet.”
- A person discussing money might say, “I’m in a pinch right now, I need to find a way to make some extra cash.”
- Someone might complain, “I’m in a pinch for ingredients, I need to go grocery shopping.”
59. Thin on the ground
This slang term is used to describe a situation where there is not enough of something.
- For instance, “Job opportunities are thin on the ground right now, it’s hard to find employment.”
- A person discussing dating might say, “Decent partners are thin on the ground these days.”
- Someone might complain, “Good customer service seems to be thin on the ground these days.”
60. Want
This slang term is used to describe a situation where there is not enough of something.
- For example, “I want for sleep, I haven’t been getting enough rest.”
- A person discussing resources might say, “Many communities want for clean drinking water.”
- Someone might complain, “I want for motivation, I can’t seem to find the drive to complete my tasks.”
61. Scarcity
Scarcity refers to a state of shortage or insufficiency. It is often used to describe a situation where there is not enough of something.
- For example, “The scarcity of clean water in the village led to health problems.”
- In a discussion about food shortages, someone might say, “Scarcity of resources is a major issue in developing countries.”
- A person expressing their frustration might exclaim, “I’m tired of the scarcity of job opportunities in this town!”
62. Not making the cut
This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone or something does not meet the necessary standards or qualifications.
- For instance, “He didn’t make the cut for the basketball team because he lacked the necessary skills.”
- In a talent competition, a judge might say, “Unfortunately, you didn’t make the cut this time.”
- A person discussing job applications might say, “Many qualified candidates didn’t make the cut due to the high level of competition.”
63. Wanting for more
This phrase is used to express a desire for more or better than what is currently available or obtained.
- For example, “After finishing the small portion of dessert, she was left wanting for more.”
- In a discussion about a disappointing movie, someone might say, “The plot was interesting, but I was wanting for more character development.”
- A person expressing their dissatisfaction might say, “The service at the restaurant was lacking. I was wanting for more attention from the staff.”