penniless

adjective

pen·​ni·​less ˈpe-ni-ləs How to pronounce penniless (audio)
Synonyms of pennilessnext
: destitute of money

Examples of penniless in a Sentence

She was unemployed and penniless. went from being a penniless girl to owner of her own restaurant
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Immediately, the indelible comedy of the scene kicks in, as dancers and singers reenact the dream, which Golde takes as a sign that daughter Tzeitel should marry penniless but hardworking tailor Motel. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026 Aspiring singer Brynn, 18, is left penniless and reeling when her boyfriend and parents die tragically on the same night. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026 Her husband Steven Gillis, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Shakespeare scholar, was left penniless. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026 Ser Duncan – aka Dunk – is a hedge knight, landless and penniless, and a genuinely good man. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penniless

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penniless was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penniless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penniless. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

penniless

adjective
pen·​ni·​less ˈpen-i-ləs How to pronounce penniless (audio)
ˈpen-ᵊl-əs
: having no money : very poor

More from Merriam-Webster on penniless

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