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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.

Now everything rests on this year's slalom showdown, with the risk that skiing superstars Shiffrin and Vonn both leave Italy empty-handed.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

Instead, Shiffrin left China empty-handed after failing to complete three of her races.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Roan was nominated for two Grammys on Sunday - record of the year and best pop solo performance, both for The Subway, but she came away empty-handed.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

But far from seeing both sides as leaving empty-handed, many consider Reykjavik crucial.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

How can she justify leaving her children if she returns empty-handed?

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

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