run low
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (intransitive) To become depleted or nearly exhausted; to have a diminishing supply that is approaching an end.
Usage
This phrasal verb describes a situation where the quantity or amount of something is decreasing and is almost gone. It is often used with supplies or resources. It functions as a single lexical unit with the specific meaning of "to be almost used up."
Examples
- Our fuel is running low; we need to find a gas station soon.
- The company's cash reserves are running low.
- Patience was running low as the delay continued.
- We need to go shopping; our groceries have run low.
Advanced Usage
- To run low on something: This is the most common construction, specifying what is diminishing.
- The hospital is running low on essential medical supplies.
- I 'm running low on ideas for the project.
Variants and Related Words
- Run out (of) (phrasal verb): To become completely exhausted or used up. ("Run low" indicates a state completely running out.)
- We ran out of milk. (It is completely gone.)
- We are running low on milk. (There is still some, but not much.)
Synonyms
- Dwindle
- Diminish
- Be in short supply
- Be nearly exhausted
- Be scarce
Antonyms
- Be abundant
- Be plentiful
- Be fully stocked
- Increase
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Running on empty: Functioning with very little energy or resources left, often used metaphorically.
- After working three shifts, I'm running on empty.
- Tighten one's belt: To spend less money because of a shortage.
- With funds running low, we all had to tighten our belts.
Verb
- to be spent or finished
- The money had gone after a few days
- Gas is running low at the gas stations in the Midwest