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.

Cardiff Crown Court heard on Thursday Nasir, freed in January, could not pay any more because she was on benefits and all but penniless.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Born June 11, 1928 in Massillon, Ohio, one of three sons to Hester and Titus Bamberger, John David Bamberger grew up penniless, with no electricity or running water.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

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

Since he’s secretly penniless, Coop keeps up the posture of affluence.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2025

Although he’d paid for the round-trip ticket, when Zita met him she discovered that he was practically penniless.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

penniless

Example Sentences

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