Dictionary

penurious

adjective pe·nu·ri·ous \pə-ˈnr-ē-əs, -ˈnyr-\

: very poor

Full Definition of PENURIOUS

1
:  marked by or suffering from penury
2
:  given to or marked by extreme stinting frugality
pe·nu·ri·ous·ly adverb
pe·nu·ri·ous·ness noun
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First Known Use of PENURIOUS

1590

Synonym Discussion of PENURIOUS

stingy, close, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, miserly mean being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others. stingy implies a marked lack of generosity <a stingy child, not given to sharing>. close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions <folks who are very close when charity calls>. niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible <the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library>. parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess <a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries>. penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty <the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune>. miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding <a miserly couple devoid of social conscience>.

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