Penury: meaning, definitions and examples

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penury

[ˈpɛnjʊri ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

state of extreme poverty

Penury refers to the state of extreme poverty, destitution, or insufficiency of resources. It is characterized by a lack of basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing.

Synonyms

destitution, indigence, poverty, privation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
penury	Used to describe extreme and severe poverty, often implying a complete lack of resources. After losing his job, he found himself living in penury, unable to afford basic necessities
poverty	A general term for the state of being extremely poor, encompassing a wide range of economic hardship. The government is working on initiatives to reduce poverty and improve living standards
destitution	Suggests a state of absolute poverty where one lacks the means to sustain oneself, often with an emphasis on being deprived of basic needs like food and shelter. The economic crisis drove many families into destitution, forcing them to rely on charitable organizations
indigence	Refers to a level of poverty that is characterized by a lack of money, but often implies that the person is living in humble or minimal conditions rather than complete destitution. Despite their indigence, they managed to maintain a positive outlook on life
privation	Conveys the experience of severe lack of basic comforts and necessities, usually as a result of poverty but can also occur due to other circumstances. The war left many in a state of privation, struggling to find food and clean water

Examples of usage

Her family lived in penury, unable to afford even the most basic necessities.
The documentary highlighted the plight of those living in penury in the slums.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin word 'penuria', which means lack or scarcity.
In the late Middle Ages, 'penury' began to refer specifically to extreme poverty.

Literature

Several classic novels explore themes of penury, showcasing characters struggling with poverty in society.
Charles Dickens often portrayed penury through his characters, emphasizing the harsh realities of Victorian England.

Economics

Penury can lead to a cycle of poverty, where lack of resources prevents individuals from improving their situation.
In developing countries, a high percentage of the population experiences penury, impacting overall economic growth.

Sociology

Penury is often linked to lack of education and limited access to job opportunities.
Social stigmas can surround those living in penury, affecting their mental health and societal integration.

History

Throughout history, many civilizations have experienced penury during times of war or famine.
The Great Depression in the 1930s saw a significant rise in penury in the United States and around the world.

Translations

Translations of the word "penury" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pobreza

🇮🇳 दरिद्रता

🇩🇪 Armut

🇮🇩 kemiskinan

🇺🇦 убогість

🇵🇱 nędza

🇯🇵 貧困 (ひんこん)

🇫🇷 pauvreté

🇪🇸 pobreza

🇹🇷 yoksulluk

🇰🇷 빈곤 (빈궁)

🇸🇦 فقر

🇨🇿 chudoba

🇸🇰 chudoba

🇨🇳 贫困 (pínkùn)

🇸🇮 revščina

🇮🇸 fátækt

🇰🇿 кедейлік

🇬🇪 სიღარიბე

🇦🇿 yoxsulluq

🇲🇽 pobreza

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,302, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
25299 stadia
25300 smarting
25301 panoply
25302 penury
25303 sprig
25304 funk
25305 pellagra
...