impecunious
Definitions
Having little or no money; poor, broke.
身无分文的，贫穷的，手头拮据的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedim- (not) + pecūnia (money) + -ous (full of / having) = 'having no money.' In the root's original picture it is 'cattle-less' — without a herd, without wealth. It is a polished, slightly literary way of saying 'broke.'
Root pecun still carries 4 more wordsUsage Guide
Formal and faintly literary — common in biographies, novels, and humorous understatement ('an impecunious young poet'). It usually describes a chronic, ongoing shortage of money rather than a sudden loss, and sounds gentler and more educated than 'poor' or 'penniless.' Used of people and their circumstances, not of countries or budgets.
Example Sentences
- 1.
As an impecunious student, he lived mostly on instant noodles.
- 2.
The impecunious artist could barely afford his rent.
- 3.
Her impecunious youth made her cautious with money for life.
Easily Confused
impecunious vs poor vs broke — poor is the plain, broad word; broke is informal and usually temporary ('I'm broke till payday'); impecunious is formal, often describing a lasting, genteel shortage of money, and carries a softer, almost sympathetic tone. Use it in writing, not in casual chat.