as in poverty
the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions
the gradual loss of manufacturing jobs plunged the area into a level of impoverishment it had never known
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Recent Examples of impoverishment
Separately, Biden thrice designated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status in the aftermath of the murder of President Jovenel Moise, a devastating earthquake, mass internal displacement, widespread gang violence, chronic hunger and extreme impoverishment.
—
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Though very little information from the isolated nation reaches the outside world now, reports indicate severe impoverishment and malnourishment throughout much of the country.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
Into this realm steps the ‘stablecoin’, an asset that is growing speedily and that is forecast to become the solution to many problems – the US national debt, a sluggish and conservative banking system and the impoverishment of emerging economies.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
In practice, the administration is pursuing a strategy of strife and impoverishment, not prosperity.
—Melvyn P. Leffler, Foreign Affairs, 21 Dec. 2017
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Though very little information from the isolated nation reaches the outside world now, reports indicate severe impoverishment and malnourishment throughout much of the country.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
Into this realm steps the ‘stablecoin’, an asset that is growing speedily and that is forecast to become the solution to many problems – the US national debt, a sluggish and conservative banking system and the impoverishment of emerging economies.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
In practice, the administration is pursuing a strategy of strife and impoverishment, not prosperity.
—Melvyn P. Leffler, Foreign Affairs, 21 Dec. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impoverishment
poverty
Noun
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Families with incomes not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible to participate in Wisconsin Shares, and may remain eligible until their income reaches 85% of the state median income.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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If not renewed, those earning above 400% of the federal poverty level will lose subsidies, while those below 100% will see reduced support.—
Beth Warren,
Nashville Tennessean,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impoverishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impoverishment. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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