Synonyms for

Poor

Verb / pu:r / Another word for poor — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having little or no money, goods, or means of support; deserving pity or sympathy

Synonyms & similar words

misfortunate piteous pitiable pitiful wretched pathetic richpeople rich hapless miserable short inadequate poorpeople needy impoverished destitute broke bankrupt beggarly deprived poverty-stricken underprivileged down-and-out unfortunate strapped penniless impecunious insolvent homeless pauvre unwealthy

Synonyms by register

Formal

impoverished destitute needy indigent

Informal

broke penniless hard up skint

Literary

penurious beggarly pauperized

Antonyms

rich wealthy affluent prosperous well-off solvent

Common collocations

  • poor quality
  • poor condition
  • poor eyesight
  • poor performance
  • poor judgment
  • poor nutrition
  • poor man

Word family

noun poverty
adjective poor
adverb poorly

Usage note

The word 'poor' can refer to a lack of money or resources, or to low quality or inadequate. Be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretation.

Example sentences

  1. The poor puppy was shivering in the cold rain.
  2. Many families in this city are poor and struggle to make ends meet.
  3. She felt poor after losing her job.
  4. The poor man needed help carrying his groceries.
  5. I feel sorry for the poor little bird with a broken wing.

Quotes

  • The poor have little, the beggars have less; and the less we deserve, the more we have reason to thank Heaven. - Charles Lamb
  • The poor themselves can create a poverty-free world. All we have to do is to free them from the chains that we have put around them. - Muhammad Yunus
  • Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime. - Aristotle

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