impoverished

adjective

im·​pov·​er·​ished im-ˈpä-v(ə-)risht How to pronounce impoverished (audio)
1
: reduced to poverty : poor
an impoverished family/community
2
: exhausted of richness or fertility
impoverished soils
3
of a fauna or flora : represented by few species or individuals

Examples of impoverished in a Sentence

the widespread hope that the lottery's record-setting jackpot is won by an impoverished family an impoverished field that over the years had been overgrazed
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.
On the idyllic shores of the once popular tourist hot spot Inle Lake, in southern Shan state, the earthquake destroyed hundreds of bamboo houses on stilts occupied by impoverished villagers, according to aid workers. Ross Adkin, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025 These navigators link impoverished Floridians with the network of religious and community organizations that support them and teach them how to take of themselves, according to Hope Florida’s supporters. Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025 Life expectancy was short for these women, because of venereal disease, the habitual presence of alcohol and drugs, and impoverished living conditions. Richard Grant, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025 Wayside Cross, a mission started in 1928 in Aurora to provide shelter, food and clothing to the homeless, addicted and impoverished, has only grown its programs and reputation in the past century. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impoverished

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of impoverished was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Impoverished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impoverished. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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