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Showing results for penniless.
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.

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

So, if you happen to be one of the winners of the $965 million Mega Millions jackpot, how can you ensure you don’t end up penniless?

From MarketWatch • Nov. 12, 2025

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

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2025

Anonymous and penniless, she didn’t have a phone or an address.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2025

From her windows overlooking the Barteljorisstraat, Tante Jans watched them idling by, gazing aimlessly into the shop windows, most of them young, penniless, and lonesome.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom