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

1. to be spent or finished
   • The money had gone after a few days
   • Gas is running low at the gas stations in the Midwest