Definitions

empty-handed

[emp-tee-han-did] / ˈɛmp tiˈhæn dɪd /

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necessitous adj.
poor adj.

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.

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empty-handed

Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos, walked out of his office empty-handed.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 8, 2026

In SpaceX’s case, the bankers on the deal, led by Goldman Sachs along with Morgan Stanley, and together with the company pick which investors may buy shares and who walks away empty-handed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026

Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This” “Jean Smart isn’t going to win this award four straight times and then go home empty-handed for the final season of ‘Hacks.’

From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 2026

Pederson isn’t alone in walking away empty-handed from the bet-on-anything markets, which cover sports, celebrities, news and more.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 4, 2026

They reappeared shortly, with muddy hands and knees, breathless and excited to be sure, but empty-handed.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

empty-handed

Example Sentences

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