have-not

American  

[hav-not, -not] / ˈhævˌnɒt, -ˈnɒt /

noun

1. Usually have-nots. an individual or group that is without wealth, social position, or other material benefits (contrasted with have).

---

have-not British  

noun

1. (usually plural) a person or group of people in possession of relatively little material wealth

---

Etymology

Origin of have-not

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

"On the other hand, we have not yet been able to fully counteract the impact of major shifts in the business environment, such as US tariffs and developments in the Middle East."

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

Senate committee last month, they have not been sufficiently scrutinized as a basis for monetary policy.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

Terms of the agreement have not been released, but the Associated Press reported in March that the league had increased its offer to a 6.45% annual growth rate in compensation over a six-year labor deal.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

But polling and the results of council by-elections suggest that Reform has potential in areas which have not been traditionally Conservative, in communities where the "scunner factor" is strongest.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

I have not totally given up on my dream of riches from this New World, but those hopes have certainly dimmed.

From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone