First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
poor
adjective \ˈpu̇r, ˈpȯr\
: having little money or few possessions : not having enough money for the basic things that people need to live properly
: having a very small amount of something
: not good in quality or condition
Full Definition of POOR
1
a : lacking material possessions b : of, relating to, or characterized by poverty
2
a : less than adequate : meager b : small in worth
3
: exciting pity <you poor thing>
4
6
: barren, unproductive —used of land
7
8
: lacking a normal or adequate supply of something specified —often used in combination <oil-poor countries>
— poor·ish \-ish\ adjective
— poor·ness noun
See poor defined for English-language learners
See poor defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of POOR
Related to POOR
- Synonyms
- beggared, beggarly, broke, destitute, dirt-poor, down-and-out, famished, hard up, impecunious, impoverished, indigent, necessitous, needful, needy, pauperized, penniless, penurious, poverty-stricken, skint [chiefly British], threadbare, down on one's luck, out at elbows (or out at the elbows), out of pocket
- Antonyms
- affluent, deep-pocketed, fat, fat-cat, flush, moneyed (also monied), opulent, rich, silk-stocking, wealthy, well-heeled, well-off, well-to-do
POOR Defined for Kids
poor
adjective \ˈpu̇r\
poor·erpoor·est
Definition of POOR for Kids
1
: having little money or few possessions
2
: less than enough <a poor crop>
3
: worthy of pity <The poor dog was lost.>
4
: low in quality or condition <poor health> <a poor effort>
— poor·ly adverb
Learn More About POOR
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: poor boxPrevious Word in the Dictionary: poop royalAll Words Near: poor
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up poor? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).