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.

"I've been out many, many times, if not hundreds of occasions, on the hope of seeing something and coming back empty handed," he said.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

In the final hours, Paramount upped its offer to $30 per share — but still came away empty handed.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

Atwood went home empty handed that evening but has won four Oscars and received 12 nominations.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2025

Ms Choi didn't walk away completely empty handed however - but with the title of "Best Dressed".

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2024

Once he saw me empty handed, we both could relax a little.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

empty-handed

Example Sentences

Related Words