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.

He smuggled himself into Hong Kong as a penniless 12-year-old escaping famine in communist China.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

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

So, if you happen to be one of the winners of tonight’s now $980 million Mega Millions jackpot, then how can you ensure you don’t end up penniless?

From MarketWatch • Nov. 14, 2025

Pollard was completely alone and penniless in a remote town of a foreign country.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

penniless

Example Sentences

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