impecunious
Having little or no money; habitually without money.
Often implies a chronic state of being short of money, not necessarily utterly destitute, but consistently struggling financially. It can also suggest a person who is habitually broke.
Word relationships
- penurious: Can mean extremely poor, or extremely stingy.
- penniless: Having no money; very poor.
- wealthy: Having a great deal of money, possessions, or assets.
- affluent: Having a great deal of money; wealthy.
Commonly confused with
- frugal: 'Frugal' means careful with money; 'impecunious' means having little money, regardless of spending habits.
Word family
- impecuniosity (noun): The state of being impecunious; habitual lack of money.
Collocations
- impecunious artist
- impecunious student
- habitually impecunious
Example sentences
- "The young writer, though brilliant, remained impecunious for years, often relying on the generosity of friends." Describing a struggling writer.
- "Many once-prosperous families found themselves impecunious after the stock market crash, struggling to maintain their former lifestyles." From a historical account of a financial crisis.
Memory hook
Think of 'IM-PE-CUN-IOUS' as 'I'M PECK-ing for pennies' – constantly looking for small amounts of money. Pecking for pennies
When not to use
Too formal for everyday use. 'Broke' or 'short on cash' are more common for temporary lack of funds. 'Impecunious' suggests a more ingrained condition.
Fun facts
- The Latin word 'pecunia' (money) is related to 'pecus' (cattle), as livestock was an early form of wealth. This connection is also seen in 'pecuniary,' meaning relating to money.
Explore more words
chronically, scrimp, feckless, insolvent, parsimonious, imprudent
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