down-and-out

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Much to my surprise, Radcliffe more than steps up as a down-and-out documentarian inserted into the life of a disgraced football star grasping for a comeback.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2026

As the most dismal, down-and-out franchise of the past half-century aimed to clinch the NBA Finals, the Knicks flirted with disaster yet again and fell behind by 15 points in the second half.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026

"These are a group of elderly down-and-out thieves, they're always broke, they're forever involved in convoluted plans… and they're facing a huge celebrity and they don't even know who she is."

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2025

That was like a complete down-and-out crying moment, and we just didn’t really know what was next.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2024

Mr. Pickwell had brought home a down-and-out shoe salesman in sore need of sympathy and a good meal.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli