belt-tightening

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The low unemployment will help keep households afloat, but expect some belt-tightening to start taking place by May—especially if price pressures remain elevated.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

But aware of the risks, it has brought in a series of belt-tightening measures - including declaring Wednesdays a public holiday and bringing in fuel rationing.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Analysts and automakers predict U.S. annual sales will fall in 2026 following three straight years of gains as belt-tightening American car buyers collide with tariff costs that companies probably won’t keep absorbing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

But growing AI adoption, softening consumer and corporate spending, and belt-tightening driven by higher costs likely played a role as well.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 6, 2025

Leaders signaled that more belt-tightening was on the way, saying they would speed up plans to consolidate IT teams and streamline other administrative functions to funnel limited funds to teaching and research.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2025