penniless

[ pen-i-lis ]

/ ˈpɛn ɪ lɪs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR penniless ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

without any money whatsoever; totally impoverished; destitute.

Nearby words

Origin of penniless

First recorded in 1275–1325, penniless is from the Middle English word peniles. See penny, -less

SYNONYMS FOR penniless

indigent. See poor.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR penniless ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR penniless

rich.

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Related formspen·ni·less·ly, adverbpen·ni·less·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for penniless

He was born in a barn to penniless parents who were part of a people under occupation.
Jesus Wasn’t Born Rich. Think About It.|Gene Robinson|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The rocker posted a rambling video on his Facebook page claiming he's broke and penniless.
Creed Singer Scott Stapp’s Fall From Grace: From 40 Million Albums Sold to Living in a Holiday Inn|Marlow Stern|November 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The penniless Pieret announced his intentions of stealing more art from the woefully guarded Louvre to make more money.
Did Picasso Try to Steal the Mona Lisa?|Nick Mafi|October 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He told stories about his days as a penniless college student trying to make it in Greenwich Village.
Why Comedians Still Think Bill Cosby Is a Genius|Mark Whitaker|October 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Unlike my enthusiastic but penniless grandfather, I had laws and resources on my side.
Whither the Women’s Movement?|Judith Barnett|July 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She found three penny stamps in the bureau at which she wrote and this served to remind her of her penniless condition.
The Wife of Sir Isaac Harman|H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
What were a wife's powers if she was homeless and penniless, and a husband claimed her?
Tante|Anne Douglas Sedgwick
But while it lasted, the idea had been a thrilling one for a penniless, homeless wanderer.
Garrison's Finish|W. B. M. Ferguson
To you it's probably better to be a rich slaver living off the legacy of a Degrader than a penniless humanitarian.
The Lani People|J. F. Bone
The somewhat frivolous and selfish character of the penniless young Countess Dolores is also drawn with a masterly hand.
Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature, Vol. II (of 6): The Romantic School in Germany|Georg Brandes

British Dictionary definitions for penniless

penniless

/ (ˈpɛnɪlɪs) /

adjective

very poor; almost totally without money

Derived Formspennilessly, adverbpennilessness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for penniless

penniless

adj.

"destitute," early 14c., penyles, from penny + -less.

penniless

adjective

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of penniless

Examples from the Web for penniless

penniless

adjective

penniless