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 poverty
2 : extreme and often niggardly frugality

synonyms see poverty