Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

poverty-stricken

[pov-er-tee-strik-uhn] / ˈpɒv ər tiˌstrɪk ən /
ADJECTIVE
very poor
Synonyms
STRONGEST
destitute distressed impoverished indigent needy poor strapped
WEAK
bad off bankrupt beggared beggarly broke dirt poor down-and-out hard up impencunious in dire circumstances in great need in want miserably poor moneyless necessitous needful penniless penurious short stone broke stranded suffering unmoneyed wanting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
affluent happy lucky rich 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.

Porter had dropped out of junior college and entered the Baltimore police academy in 2012, hoping to restore trust in law enforcement in the same poverty-stricken neighborhoods where he grew up.

From Slate • May 24, 2024

I think if you take a camera into any rural area or area that's poverty-stricken, it's not gonna look pretty, but somehow we were special.

From Salon • May 19, 2024

Her belief that all people are good comes into question after the cynical Harry shows her the poverty-stricken streets of Alexandria, from their well-heeled perch from high above.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2023

He quit the band and was baptised in the River Jordan, then travelled to poverty-stricken areas of India to build orphanages.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2023

My hero, Cove, a level-seventeen sorcerer with fire for hair, can’t advance through this poverty-stricken kingdom without an offering to the princess.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.