empty-handed

[emp-tee-han-did] / ˈɛmp tiˈhæn dɪd /

ADJECTIVE

necessitous

Synonyms

WEAK

bad off bankrupt beggared beggarly behind the eight ball broke destitute dirt poor down-and-out flat flat broke fortuneless hard up impecunious impoverished in need in want indigent insolvent low meager moneyless needy on one's uppers pauperized penniless penurious pinched poverty-stricken reduced scanty stone broke strapped suffering truly needy underprivileged unprosperous

ADJECTIVE

poor

Synonyms

STRONGEST

destitute impoverished indigent low meager needy penniless poverty-stricken underprivileged

STRONG

bankrupt down-and-out flat insolvent scanty suffering

WEAK

bad off beggared beggarly behind the eight ball broke dirt poor flat broke fortuneless hard up impecunious in need in want moneyless necessitous pauperized penurious pinched reduced stone broke strapped truly needy unprosperous

Antonyms

STRONGEST

affluent prosperous rich wealthy well-to-do

STRONG

comfortable fortunate solvent

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.

Bumper-to-bumper traffic continued to line the surrounding streets, and scores of people were turned away empty-handed.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

This suggests it is Arteta who is in urgent need of breaking the cycle of finishing empty-handed.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

“Marty Supreme,” which was nominated for nine awards, went home empty-handed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Rising star Young did not leave empty-handed, picking up best breakthrough artist while Wolf Alice snagged group of the year.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

Nobody asked him if it was okay Finally, Marv walks in, empty-handed.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak

empty-handed

Example Sentences

Related Words