rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryimpecuniousLacking money
adjective

impecunious

im-pi-KYOO-nee-us/ˌɪmpɪˈkjuːniəs/

Having little or no money.

The impecunious shopper finds only one small coin in the wallet.

Person opens nearly empty wallet containing one small coin while considering a modest grocery basket; thoughtful practical expression without ragged stereotype or pity.
Etymology
imLatinnot
+pecuniousLatinrich

The negative prefix turns “rich” into “not rich.” The underlying money word, pecunia, comes from a word for cattle, reflecting livestock's role as a measure of wealth.

In context

Ion Books70:47
But he began life after that impecunious fashion for which the Greystocks have been noted. Tailors, robemakers, and booksellers gave him trust, and did believe that they would get their money.
The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope - Part 1/3 | Full Audiobook with Scrolling Text

More examples

  • We were too impecunious to afford a honeymoon.
  • The grant allows an impecunious artist to keep painting.
  • His once wealthy family is now impecunious.

Forms

impecunious

Similar words

poor
The everyday alternative; often suggests an ongoing lack of resources.
broke
Informal and often suggests a temporary lack of available money.
penniless
More absolute; suggests having no money at all.