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.

When butcher Asser Levy died in Colonial New York, he had gone from penniless immigrant to successful businessperson by meeting the booming city’s food needs.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

He was a humble guy who some said died penniless.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Born June 11, 1928 in Massillon, Ohio, one of three sons to Hester and Titus Bamberger, John David Bamberger grew up penniless, with no electricity or running water.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Mayor Clarkson’s greatest concern was the mounting number of penniless people in Philadelphia.

From "An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793" by Jim Murphy

penniless

Example Sentences

Related Words