Definition of «penury»

Penury is a term that refers to extreme poverty or destitution. It can also mean a state of being extremely poor, with little or no money and few resources to support oneself. The word comes from the Latin phrase "pauperem tenere," which means "to hold as a beggar."

Usage examples

  1. The ongoing pandemic has resulted in widespread penury, with millions of people losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet.
  2. After years of mismanagement, the country's economy is now in a state of penury, with high levels of poverty and limited access to basic necessities.
  3. Many elderly individuals are forced to live in penury, unable to afford adequate healthcare, housing, or even food.
  4. The government's failure to address the issue of homelessness has led to a growing population living in penury on the streets.
  5. The lack of opportunities for education and employment has trapped communities in a cycle of penury, making it difficult for them to escape poverty.
  6. The author vividly described the protagonist's life of penury, where he lived in a tiny, dilapidated house and struggled to provide for his family.
  7. The documentary shed light on the penury faced by farmers in developing countries, who are unable to earn a sustainable income from their crops.
  8. The novel portrayed the stark reality of life during the Great Depression, with families facing penury and searching for any work they could find.
  9. Despite her talent and hard work, the artist languished in penury for most of her life, never receiving the recognition or financial stability she deserved.
  10. The nonprofit organization aims to alleviate penury in underprivileged communities by providing access to education, healthcare, and vocational training.

Sentences with «penury»

  • Also coming in was highly promising German international midfielder Marko Marin from Werder Bremen for # 7 million, Brazilian international wonderkid Oscar from Internacional for the cheap at # 25 million, Cesar Azpilicu - something from Marseille for # 7 million, Victor Moses from Wigan for # 9 million, and the younger brother of Eden Hazrd for a relative penury of # 0.5 million from Lens. (arsenalindiasupporters.com)
  • This is because there is life after sports as some Nigerians sports personalities live in penury despite excelling in their chosen sports. (nigeriapoliticsonline.com)
  • In trying to equate Liam's sudden descent into penury with the plight of his country's deprived underclass, however, Boorman ends up with a film as unconvincing as Cattrall's Irish accent. (bbc.co.uk)
  • (see all sentences)
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