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Definitions

penniless

[pen-i-lis] / ˈpɛn ɪ lɪs /
ADJECTIVE
without any money
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bankrupt broke destitute impoverished indigent needy
WEAK
clean cleaned out dead broke dirt poor down to last penny flat flat broke impecunious in the gutter lacking moneyless necessitous on last leg over a barrel penurious poor poverty-stricken ruined strapped tapped out without a dime
Antonyms
STRONGEST
affluent rich solvent wealthy

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.

Wright also exerted financial control, leaving her "penniless".

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Ms. Ypi tells us that the two had been close enough for her grandfather to once offer to settle the penniless Hoxha’s debts with his Parisian landlady.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

So, if you happen to be one of the winners of tonight’s now $980 million Mega Millions jackpot, then how can you ensure you don’t end up penniless?

From MarketWatch • Nov. 14, 2025

Since he’s secretly penniless, Coop keeps up the posture of affluence.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2025

“How could this be mine? I am not an artist! I am nothing! I’m a penniless merchant, a prisoner! A shell! A windup toy!”

From "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick