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.

They will need to keep players off the treatment table if they are to claim silverware this term, a problem which contributed to finishing 2024-25 empty handed.

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2026

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

Dylan Cozens scored his tournament-leading ninth goal and Pierre-Luc Dubois added another for Canada, the 28-time champion who finishes empty handed.

From Seattle Times • May 26, 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