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Impoverishing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impoverishing

[ɪmˈpɒvərɪʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

make poor

To make someone or something poor by taking away their money, possessions, or quality of life. It can also refer to making something weaker or less effective.

Synonyms

deprive, impoverish, make poor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impoverishing

Typically used when describing the ongoing process of causing poverty or economic decline.

  • The war is impoverishing entire regions of the country.
  • Continuous droughts are impoverishing the agricultural community.
make poor

A simple, straightforward way of saying that someone or something is being made to lack money or resources. Often used in everyday language.

  • High taxes can make poor the average citizen.
  • Constant medical bills made them poor.
deprive

Used when talking about taking away something that is essential or valuable from someone.

  • The new rules will deprive many workers of their rights.
  • He was deprived of a proper education due to financial constraints.
impoverish

Usually used to describe the act of making someone or something poor, causing a decline in wealth or resources.

  • Corruption can impoverish an entire nation.
  • Unfair trade practices could impoverish local businesses.

Examples of usage

  • Impoverishing the land through over-farming can lead to long-term consequences.
  • The dictator's policies were focused on impoverishing the population to maintain control.
Context #2 | Verb

weakening

To weaken or deplete something, such as resources or strength. It can also refer to making something less valuable or significant.

Synonyms

deplete, diminish, weaken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impoverishing

Use this word when describing a process or action that makes something or someone very poor or reduces quality significantly. It often has a strong negative connotation.

  • The deforestation is impoverishing the soil, making it less fertile for future crops.
  • Poor management was impoverishing the community, leaving many without basic necessities.
weaken

This word is appropriate for situations where you describe the reduction in strength, power, or effect of something or someone.

  • The economic sanctions were put in place to weaken the oppressive regime.
  • A lack of exercise can weaken your muscles over time.
deplete

This word is best used when you need to describe the gradual use or exhaustion of resources over time.

  • The long summer drought has completely depleted the water supply.
  • Constant mining is depleting the region's natural resources.
diminish

This word suits contexts where you describe something that is becoming smaller, weaker, or less significant in some way. It can be used in both neutral and negative situations.

  • His influence in the company has diminished since he stepped down from the CEO position.
  • The light from the candle slowly diminished as the night grew darker.

Examples of usage

  • The constant wars were slowly impoverishing the kingdom.
  • His reckless spending habits were impoverishing his savings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Sciences

  • Economically, impoverishing effects can stem from policies that limit access to education or health care.
  • Impoverishing practices often lead to cycles of poverty, where communities struggle to break free from economic hardships.
  • Studies show that environmental degradation, like deforestation, can impoverish communities by reducing their resources.

Psychology

  • Experiences of impoverishment can affect mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety and hopelessness.
  • Individuals who feel impoverished often report lower levels of life satisfaction, highlighting the emotional impact of poverty.
  • The sense of impoverishment can also influence social behavior, leading to mistrust and withdrawal from community activities.

Literature

  • Literary works often explore themes of impoverishment, depicting characters who face economic and emotional struggles.
  • In Charles Dickens' novels, impoverishing conditions highlight the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty during the Industrial Revolution.
  • Poets like William Blake use imagery of poverty to critique societal norms, depicting how it damages human spirit and creativity.

Economics

  • In economics, impoverishing policies may include austerity measures that cut social spending, adversely affecting vulnerable populations.
  • Globalization can sometimes lead to impoverishing outcomes in developing countries if benefits are unevenly distributed.
  • Economic theories often address the idea that wealth concentration can lead to societal impoverishment, creating wider gaps between social classes.

Origin of 'impoverishing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'impoverire', where 'in-' means to make, and 'pauper' means poor.
  • It has been used in the English language since the late 15th century, reflecting social issues of the times.
  • As language evolved, the term began to encompass both economic status and overall quality of life.

The word 'impoverish' originates from the Old French word 'empovrir', which means 'to make poor'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The prefix 'im-' intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the act of making someone or something poor.

See also: impoverished, impoverishment.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,832 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.