90+ Synonyms for "Poor" with Examples | Another Word for “Poor” • 7ESL

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Exploring the many synonyms for “poor” can be incredibly useful, whether we’re trying to add variation to our writing or aiming to express a concept with more nuance. The word “poor” itself is quite versatile, describing a lack of financial resources, inferior quality, or insufficient amounts. Whether we’re writing a compelling story, a persuasive essay, or simply trying to articulate a specific point, choosing the right synonym can make all the difference.

Poor Synonyms

What Is “Poor”?

Poor is an adjective often used to describe a lack of financial resources or material possessions. It also extends to quality, indicating something that is not meeting satisfactory standards.

List of Synonyms for Poor

Impoverished
Needy
Penniless
Destitute
Indigent
Deprived
Underprivileged
Impecunious
Insolvent
Hard-up
Strapped
Bankrupt
Beggarly
Poverty-stricken
Hand-to-mouth
Down-and-out
Economically disadvantaged
Financially strapped
In need
In want
Lacking
Scanty
Downtrodden
Hardscrabble
Threadbare
Begging
Distressed
Imbued with poverty
Skint (British slang)
Broke
Moneyless
Low-income
Meager
Bare
Deficient
Disadvantaged
Necessitous
Penurious
Short
Unfortunate
Wanting
Suffering
Unprosperous
In dire straits
On the breadline
Pecuniary embarrassed
Struggling
Underfunded
Unmoneyed
Cash-strapped
Pinched
Dirt-poor
Flat broke
In the red
Reduced
Resourceless
Bust
Cleaned out
Dead broke
Inadequate
Stretched
At a disadvantage
Down on one’s luck
Empty-handed
In straitened circumstances
Low-paid
On one’s uppers
Stone broke
Unable to make ends meet
Unendowed
Unsubstantial
In a financial bind
On the edge of poverty
Straitened
Unaffluent
Crunched
Down to last penny
Stinted
Suffering from hardship
Under-endowed
Up against it
Vulnerable
Without means
Without resource

Types of Synonyms for Poor

Financial Status

Impoverished: Lacking financial resources and possessions.
Destitute: Without the basic necessities of life.
Bankrupt: Unable to pay one’s debts.
Needy: In need, especially financially.
Indigent: Seriously lacking in means of subsistence.

Quality

Deficient: Lacking in some element or aspect; inadequate.
Inadequate: Not sufficient; not up to the required standard.
Substandard: Below the usual or required standard.

Physical Condition

Unfortunate: Marked by or deserving of bad luck.
Underprivileged: Deprived of the economic, social, and cultural benefits that others have.
Disadvantaged: Lacking compared to others in terms of resources or opportunities.

Common Synonyms for Poor

Poor vs. Impoverished

Impoverished refers to a state of poverty that is often extended and systemic, unlike the general term poor which can simply indicate a lack of wealth.

They could barely afford the rent, making them one of the poor families in the city.
After the factory closed, the entire town found itself in an impoverished state.

Poor vs. Needy

Needy signifies a desperate need for the basics of life, emphasizing a dire situation. Meanwhile, poor can be used more broadly to describe insufficient financial means.

Their poor circumstances didn’t allow for any extra spending.
We organized a fundraiser to help the needy individuals affected by the crisis.

Poor vs. Indigent

Indigent is a more formal term that describes extreme poverty, where individuals are unable to provide for themselves, contrasting with the more commonly used poor.

Many artists live a poor lifestyle, prioritizing their craft over material wealth.
The legal system provides attorneys for indigent defendants who can’t afford one.

Poor vs. Broke

Broke is a casual term often implying a temporary lack of money, as opposed to poor, which may suggest a continuous state of financial hardship.

The poor neighborhood lacked essential resources.
After paying all the bills, they were completely broke until the next paycheck.

Synonyms for Poor in Different Contexts

Financial Hardship

Impoverished: We visited an impoverished area where many live below the poverty line.
Needy: During the holidays, we donate clothes to needy families in our community.
Destitute: After the economic crisis, he went from wealthy to destitute in a short time.

Quality or Standard

Subpar: Our experience at the hotel was subpar due to the poor service.
Inferior: The knock-off product was obviously inferior to the brand-name original.
Deficient: The apartment was deficient in basic amenities like running water.

Health and Wellbeing

Frail: After the surgery, she was left in a frail condition.
Feeble: The neglected plant in the corner of the room looked feeble and withered.

Fertility of Land

Barren: The garden’s soil was too barren to produce a good crop.
Unfertile: Our attempts to farm the land were unsuccessful due to its unfertile nature.

Absolute and Near Synonyms of Poor

Absolute Synonyms for Poor

Word	Definition
Impoverished	Lacking financial resources or wealth.
Needy	In dire need of the basic necessities of life.
Penniless	Without any money whatsoever.
Destitute	Lacking the means to live in a standard deemed acceptable.
Indigent	Experiencing want or need due to a lack of financial resources.

Near Synonyms for Poor

Word	Definition
Impoverished	Having very little means, often linked to poverty.
Bankrupt	Legally declared unable to pay outstanding debts.
Insolvent	Unable to pay debts owed, generally referring to companies or entities.
Necessitous	Pressed by need; in a state of financial or material want.
Underprivileged	Lacking the advantages that others have; disadvantaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are alternative words to describe someone with little money?

When describing someone with little money, we can use terms like ‘impoverished,’ ‘needy,’ ‘indigent,’ or ‘impecunious.’ Each word varies slightly in connotation but effectively communicates financial scarcity.

What are some informal or slang terms used to describe a poor person?

In informal situations, slang terms such as ‘broke,’ ‘penniless,’ or ‘down and out’ can be used. These terms are more colloquial and should be used carefully to avoid offense.

What are some opposite words to ‘poor’ in the context of wealth?

Opposite terms to ‘poor’ concerning wealth include ‘wealthy,’ ‘affluent,’ ‘prosperous,’ or ‘well-to-do.’ These words signify a substantial level of financial resources or assets.

What is a respectful way to refer to families facing financial difficulties?

We can refer to families facing financial difficulties as those ‘experiencing economic challenges’ or ‘navigating financial hardship.’ These phrases are respectful and empathetic towards the situation.

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