The phrase "be hurting for" is often used to describe a situation where individuals or entities are in a desperate need of something. It may refer to a person who is without food, clothing, or shelter, or a business that is experiencing a lack of customers or financial resources. There are several synonyms that can be used in place of "be hurting for," including "suffering from," "lacking," "short of," "in need of," and "deprived of." Using these alternative phrases can add variety and nuance to one's writing while conveying the same sense of urgency and deprivation as the original phrase.