Synonyms for

Impoverished

Verb / ˌɪˈmpɑ:vrɪʃt / Another word for impoverished — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having little or no money or resources; poor

Synonyms & similar words

necessitous destitute enrich impoverish needy deprive broken wipedout povertystricken indigent poor needy destitute penniless bankrupt deprived indigent beggarly impecunious penurious destitute broke insolvent devoid lacking barren scarce deficient

Synonyms by register

Formal

destitute needy penurious indigent

Informal

broke poor skint penniless

Literary

beggared ruined dispossessed

Antonyms

wealthy rich affluent prosperous well-off opulent

Common collocations

  • impoverished nation
  • impoverished soil
  • impoverished economy
  • impoverished community
  • impoverished background
  • impoverished lifestyle

Word family

noun impoverishment
verb impoverish
adjective impoverished
adverb impoverishingly

Usage note

Primarily used to describe a state of extreme poverty, often due to economic or social factors. Can also be used metaphorically to describe something lacking in quality or richness.

Example sentences

  1. The impoverished village lacked basic necessities like clean water and medical care.
  2. The family became impoverished after the father lost his job.
  3. The charity helped the impoverished community by providing food and clothing.
  4. The country's economy was so impoverished that it could not provide for its citizens.
  5. The school organized a fundraiser to help impoverished families afford school supplies.

Quotes

  • Impoverished environments, whether they occur in a rural or urban setting, challenge the individual's working and playing habits. - Jane Goodall
  • Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime. - Aristotle
  • It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish. - Mother Teresa

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