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penurythe state of being extremely poor; extreme poverty or destitution

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the state of being extremely poor; extreme poverty or destitution

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpenjʊri/

Example Sentences

  • Despite his talent, the artist lived in penury until he was discovered.
  • She went from penury to prosperity after winning the lottery.
  • My wallet is in such penury that even my credit cards are embarrassed to be seen together.

penury

NOUN

[/ˈpenjʊri/]

the state of being extremely poor; extreme poverty or destitution

Living in penury, the old man counts his last coins by candlelight.
💡 Concept

Living in penury, the old man counts his last coins by candlelight.

A century turned luxury into penury
🎵 Rhyme

A century turned luxury into penury

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈpenjʊri/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈpenjʊri/

🌳Etymology

Rootpenur-
Suffix--y

Origin

From Latin 'penuria' meaning scarcity or want, possibly related to 'paene' (almost) or derived from a root indicating deficiency or lack.

Breakdown

Latin 'penuria' (scarcity, want) + English suffix '-y' (noun/state) = penury (state of extreme poverty)

🎵Rhyme

centuryinjuryluxury
century
injury
luxury

🔗Collocations

live in penury
die in penury
extreme penury
reduce to penury
escape from penury

📝Examples

Despite his talent, the artist lived in penury until he was discovered.

She went from penury to prosperity after winning the lottery.

😄 Fun example

My wallet is in such penury that even my credit cards are embarrassed to be seen together.

The novelist wrote his masterpiece while living in penury in a tiny attic.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

povertydestitutionindigencewantprivation

Antonyms

wealthprosperityaffluence

Related

impoverishmenthardshipscarcityneediness

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