penniless

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.

When butcher Asser Levy died in Colonial New York, he had gone from penniless immigrant to successful businessperson by meeting the booming city’s food needs.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

“Flummoxed by the lack of resources”—in other words, aware that a penniless Uganda needed to reform or collapse—he “comfortably settled” into the role of Western lackey.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 15, 2025

Since he’s secretly penniless, Coop keeps up the posture of affluence.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2025

Anonymous and penniless, she didn’t have a phone or an address.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2025

My days were more exciting when I was penniless and had to forage around for my next meal.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer