penniless
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.
When butcher Asser Levy died in Colonial New York, he had gone from penniless immigrant to successful businessperson by meeting the booming city’s food needs.
From MarketWatch ● May 6, 2026
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
Since he’s secretly penniless, Coop keeps up the posture of affluence.
From Salon ● Apr. 11, 2025
Plantation owners were suddenly destitute, and state governments, shackled by war debt, were penniless.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
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