Main Entry:

pen·u·ry

Pronunciation:

\ˈpen-yə-rē\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin penuria, paenuria want; perhaps akin to Latin paene almost

Date:

14th century

1: a cramping and oppressive lack of resources (as money) ; especially : severe poverty2: extreme and often niggardly frugality

synonyms see poverty