Penniless

/ˈpɛnɪləs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Having no money; destitute.

After losing his job, he found himself penniless and struggling to pay rent.

Impoverished; lacking financial resources.

The charity aims to help the penniless families in the community.

Broke or having very little money.

She was penniless after the unexpected medical bills.

Without means of support.

Several penniless travelers were seeking help at the local shelter.

Derived from 'penny' meaning a small coin, with the suffix '-less' indicating without.

down and out

A person who is without a home or means of living.

flat broke

Completely out of money.

living hand to mouth

Living with barely enough to survive.

beggar

A person who lives by asking for money or food.

pauper

A very poor person, especially one dependent on public charity.

Broke

I'm so broke this week that I can't even buy coffee.

Flat broke

After paying rent, I'm flat broke until payday.