A period of time that is characterized by lack of resources such as money. Lean time may also denote a period when and where certain endeavors are not successful or do not produce decent results. For example, a company may be heading for lean times if its earnings forecasts are judged to be below normal levels.

Lean time is generally a period that comes up with certain pressures and challenges to manage such lack of resources or unfavorable circumstances that engulf or are associated with shortages or lower quantity of financial and physical assets.

The opposite of a lean time is a fat time.