Definitions

penniless

[pen-i-lis] / ˈpɛn ɪ lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

without any money

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bankrupt broke destitute impoverished indigent needy

WEAK

clean cleaned out dead broke dirt poor down to last penny flat flat broke impecunious in the gutter lacking moneyless necessitous on last leg over a barrel penurious poor poverty-stricken ruined strapped tapped out without a dime

Antonyms

STRONGEST

affluent rich solvent 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.

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penniless

He was a humble guy who some said died penniless.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2026

Wright also exerted financial control, leaving her "penniless".

From BBC ● Feb. 7, 2026

Ms. Ypi tells us that the two had been close enough for her grandfather to once offer to settle the penniless Hoxha’s debts with his Parisian landlady.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 30, 2025

So, if you happen to be one of the winners of the $965 million Mega Millions jackpot, how can you ensure you don’t end up penniless?

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 12, 2025

“How could this be mine? I am not an artist! I am nothing! I’m a penniless merchant, a prisoner! A shell! A windup toy!”

From "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick

penniless

Example Sentences

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