WordGarden.iopenniless
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɛnɪləs/
US
- /ˈpɛniləs/
Meanings
Adjective
having no money or very little money
Beyond the definition
To be penniless is not just about having an empty wallet; it paints a picture of having no money at all. Imagine a traveler whose pockets have been picked clean, left with nothing but the clothes on their back. That person is truly penniless. The word suggests hardship and vulnerability. It is stronger than simply being "poor" because it points to a complete lack of money. You might hear it in stories about hard times or people facing serious trouble. A person described this way often has to rely on others or make difficult choices just to get by.
"Penniless" describes someone who has absolutely no money—not a single penny to their name. It's a powerful word that goes beyond the general state of being poor; it implies a state of complete financial ruin and often suggests immediate hardship. While "poor" can describe a long-term lack of wealth, "penniless" emphasizes an absolute absence of funds at a specific moment in time.
Historically, the term draws its strength from the idea that the individual lacks even the smallest, most basic unit of currency. Today, it is used to describe a state of extreme poverty or a situation where someone has been stripped of their last remaining resources. You might read about a penniless artist living in a drafty garret or a penniless refugee fleeing their homeland with nothing but the clothes they are wearing.
The context often suggests more than just a financial lack; it implies vulnerability and a total dependence on others. A character described as "penniless" is likely facing significant challenges in securing basic necessities like food and shelter. It is a word that carries emotional weight, evoking sympathy or highlighting the stark realities of life without a safety net. While poverty can be a chronic condition, one is often left penniless by a sudden turn of fate—a lost fortune, a natural disaster, or a streak of terrible luck.
So, when you encounter "penniless," think beyond just a low bank balance; picture a life stripped bare of financial security, facing the world with nothing but grit and hope.
Examples
- 1
Job loss
After losing his job, he was almost penniless.
- 2
New start
She arrived in New York penniless but determined to start a new life.
- 3
Business loss
The failed business deal left them penniless.
- Patternleave someone penniless
cause someone to have no money
- 4
End of life
He died penniless, even though his books had once made him famous.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Casual exaggeration
I can't come out tonight; I'm practically penniless until payday.
- Usagepractically penniless
almost without money, often said as an exaggeration
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- pennilessadjective