impoverished

adjective

im·​pov·​er·​ished im-ˈpä-v(ə-)risht How to pronounce impoverished (audio)
1
: reduced to poverty : poor
an impoverished family/community
2
: exhausted of richness or fertility
impoverished soils
3
of a fauna or flora : represented by few species or individuals

Examples of impoverished in a Sentence

the widespread hope that the lottery's record-setting jackpot is won by an impoverished family an impoverished field that over the years had been overgrazed
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Haze's character Krelborn, an employee at an impoverished florist shop, finds himself at the center of a murderous enterprise when the strange plant he's been growing requires blood for nourishment. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 An impoverished aviation industry would have little capital to invest in the new, fuel-efficient aircraft already in production. Dean Donovan, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Haitian gangs are well-armed, with weapons often smuggled from the United States, giving them significant power over impoverished neighborhoods. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 In this impoverished enclave, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees acts almost like a state, providing essential services such as health care, education and even psychological support. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impoverished 

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of impoverished was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near impoverished

Cite this Entry

“Impoverished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impoverished. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

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