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.

Example Sentences

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

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

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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.

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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?”

Read more on Salon

"These are a group of elderly down-and-out thieves, they're always broke, they're forever involved in convoluted plans… and they're facing a huge celebrity and they don't even know who she is."

Read more on BBC