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

I think if you take a camera into any rural area or area that's poverty-stricken, it's not gonna look pretty, but somehow we were special.

From Salon • May 19, 2024

Her belief that all people are good comes into question after the cynical Harry shows her the poverty-stricken streets of Alexandria, from their well-heeled perch from high above.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2023

He quit the band and was baptised in the River Jordan, then travelled to poverty-stricken areas of India to build orphanages.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2023

I saw few or no dilapidated houses, with poverty-stricken inmates; no half-naked children and barefooted women, such as I had been accustomed to see in Hillsborough, Easton, St. Michael’s, and Baltimore.

From "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" by Frederick Douglass

poverty-stricken

Example Sentences

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