poverty-stricken

[pov-er-tee-strik-uhn] / ˈpɒv ər tiˌstrɪk ən /

ADJECTIVE

very poor

Synonyms

STRONGEST

destitute distressed impoverished indigent needy poor strapped

WEAK

bad off bankrupt beggared beggarly broke dirt poor down-and-out hard up impencunious in dire circumstances in great need in want miserably poor moneyless necessitous needful penniless penurious short stone broke stranded suffering unmoneyed wanting

Antonyms

STRONGEST

affluent happy lucky rich 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.

The recording has spread widely on social media and caused a strong reaction in oil-rich but poverty-stricken Equatorial Guinea, ruled by Obiang for over 40 years.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Through his Pearl Fund, he is making a difference in the lives of orphaned, fatherless and poverty-stricken young people.

From BBC • Jul. 30, 2025

This explosive, eye-opening work came from Ivy League professor Desmond moving to a trailer park and rooming house in a poverty-stricken part of Milwaukee.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

In the production, Fairman’s story depicts her compassion, a quality which took root in the poverty-stricken city where she grew up and continues to this day through her volunteer work in Los Angeles.

From Seattle Times • May 25, 2024

My hero, Cove, a level-seventeen sorcerer with fire for hair, can’t advance through this poverty-stricken kingdom without an offering to the princess.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

poverty-stricken

Example Sentences

Related Words