down-and-out

[doun-uhnd-out, -uhn]

adjective

1. without any money, or means of support, or prospects; destitute; penniless.

2. without physical strength or stamina; disabled; incapacitated.

3. too physically weakened by repeated defeats to qualify as a competent professional boxer.

noun

1. Also down-and-outer. a person who is down-and-out.

down-and-out

adjective

1. without any means of livelihood; impoverished and, often, socially outcast

noun

1. a person who is destitute and, often, homeless; a social outcast or derelict

Word History and Origins

Origin of down-and-out¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Idioms and Phrases

Lacking funds or prospects; destitute, penniless. For example, After losing his job, car, and home, he was completely down and out. This term probably originated in boxing, where it alludes to the fighter who is knocked down and stays down for a given time, thereby losing the bout. [c. 1900] Also see down for the count.