Main Entry: poor

Pronunciation: \ˈpu̇r, ˈpȯr\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English poure, from Anglo-French povre, pore, from Latin pauper; akin to Latin paucus little and to Latin parere to give birth to, produce — more at few, pare

Date: 13th century

1 a : lacking material possessions b : of, relating to, or characterized by poverty
2 a : less than adequate : meager b : small in worth
3 : exciting pity <you poor thing>
4 a : inferior in quality or value b : humble, unpretentious c : mean, petty
5 : lean, emaciated
6 : barren, unproductive —used of land
7 : indifferent, unfavorable
8 : lacking a normal or adequate supply of something specified —often used in combination <oil-poor countries>

— poor·ish \-ish\ adjective

— poor·ness noun