impecunious

adjective

ˌim-pi-ˈkyü-nyəs How to pronounce impecunious (audio)
Definition of impecuniousnext
as in impoverished
lacking money or material possessions they were so impecunious that they couldn't afford to give one another even token Christmas gifts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of impecunious Since then, it has been performed across much of the world, being ideally suited to these impecunious times and very masterfully written. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026 Traumatized into silence, the de facto orphan stays living with the kindly but guilt-ridden, grieving and impecunious Hiroshi. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 12 June 2026 Lillian Feldman was born to impecunious Jewish emigres in Cincinnati on July 13, 1927, the twelfth of thirteen children who were encouraged by their mother to draw on the walls. — News Desk, Artforum, 17 Oct. 2024 Cowley graduated in 1920, and for a year and a half lived an adventurous, impecunious Grub Street life in New York, before a fellowship took him, now married, back to France for a master’s in French. — Michael Gorra, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impecunious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impecunious
  1. impoverished
  2. poor
Adjective
  • This British drama series follows a woman named Emma over the course of more than six decades of her life, from the 1900s through the 1970s, working her way from impoverished maid to the world’s richest woman.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Known as a Neglected Tropical Disease because of the lack of funding to fight it, schistosomiasis is a serious challenge for impoverished communities.
    — William McCarthy, NPR, 4 July 2026
Definition of impoverished
Adjective
  • Overflowing poor drainage areas in urban areas of northwest Hickory and in the Northlakes area of Caldwell County.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
  • There was a lot of poor decision-making with this match, on and off the pitch.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of poor

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“Impecunious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impecunious. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on impecunious

Nglish: Translation of impecunious for Spanish Speakers

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