down-and-out

American  

[doun-uhnd-out, -uhn] / ˈdaʊn əndˈaʊt, -ən /

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 British  

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

down and out Idioms  

1. 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.

---

Etymology

Origin of down-and-out

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

MI5, the U.K.’s domestic spy agency, said that Chinese authorities dispatched a Chinese businessman to cultivate a relationship with the down-and-out prince in a bid to promote the interest of the Communist Party.

From The Wall Street Journal

And now it’s a problem, because the once down-and-out Phillies are revived and refreshed and believing.

From Los Angeles Times

That typified The Times’ approach to the down-and-out well into the 20th century.

From Los Angeles Times

A down-and-out man is approached by a mysterious, well-dressed figure who uses a simple kid’s game to test his want of money against his tolerance for pain and humiliation.

From Los Angeles Times

In her 2024 book “Stolen Pride,” one down-and-out Kentucky man summed it up, asking, “If it’s such a privilege to be born a white male, what could explain me except my own personal failure?”

From Salon