Impecunious
hardNegative toneim-pi-KYOO-nee-uhs
adjective
Definition
having little or no money; penniless
Memory hook
IMPECUNIOUS = IM (not) + PECUNIA (money)—no money at all; think of an empty piggy bank that says 'I'm pecunia-less.'
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The impecunious poet survived on borrowed meals and the kindness of friends.”
“Years of bad investments left the once-grand family impecunious and bitter.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ poet survived on borrowed meals and the kindness of friends.”
Show answer
impecunious
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Impecunious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "penniless" or "destitute" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "affluent".
Related GRE Words
penurious
Extremely poor; poverty-stricken; also stingy
aggrandize
To increase the power, status, or wealth of; to make appear greater
bereft
Deprived of or lacking something; suffering the loss of a loved one
doyen
The most respected or prominent person in a particular field
eminent
Famous and respected within a particular field; outstanding
opulent
Ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish
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