Definitions

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.

Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos, walked out of his office empty-handed.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

In SpaceX’s case, the bankers on the deal, led by Goldman Sachs along with Morgan Stanley, and together with the company pick which investors may buy shares and who walks away empty-handed.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This” “Jean Smart isn’t going to win this award four straight times and then go home empty-handed for the final season of ‘Hacks.’

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

No matter that her brother would straggle back, empty-handed with his gang and taunt later comers the same way.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

empty-handed

Example Sentences

Related Words