Short of funds is a phrase that describes a financial situation where someone or an entity lacks enough money to meet their financial obligations or carry out their planned activities. However, there are many synonyms for this phrase that one can use to describe this challenging situation. These synonyms include cash-strapped, broke, financially challenged, insolvent, penniless, destitute, skint, strapped for cash, and financially inadequate. Some of these synonyms are more informal or colloquial than others, but they all convey the same meaning which is a lack of funds. It is always prudent to choose the most appropriate synonym depending on the context in which you are using it.