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

It is Ma who refuses to abandon the down-and-out Wilson family even though their company may slow the journey west.

From The Daily Beast

The Oscars also like down-and-out characters and misunderstood geniuses, both of which tend to beget low-talkers.

From The Daily Beast

But their impact on their down-and-out political parties may turn out to be nearly identical.

From The Daily Beast

Of course Garrison had been to the dogs during the past year—what down-and-out jockey has not gone there?

From Project Gutenberg

Fane spoke up languidly: "It rather looks as though we were the down-and-out delegation at present; doesn't it, Orchil?"

From Project Gutenberg

I went on down the street feeling almost like a man again and not a down-and-out ex-convict.

From Project Gutenberg

Had about as much sympathy for a down-and-out, Steele did, as you'd find milk in a turnip.

From Project Gutenberg

A man's a millionaire to-day and a member of the down-and-out club to-morrow.

From Project Gutenberg