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penury

Penury (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˈpɛnjʊri/

What does penury mean?

A state of extreme poverty or financial hardship.
"The family's struggles had forced them into a life of penury."

Detailed Meaning of Penury

The term "penury" is a noun that refers to It is a condition characterized by a lack of resources, especially money, and by the inability to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. Penury implies a condition of severe deprivation, it is a state of being extremely poor, in which one lacks the means to provide for oneself or one's family. It can also refer to a state of scarcity, in which resources are insufficient to meet the needs of a population. It is often associated with unemployment, low wages, and a lack of access to basic services such as education and healthcare. Penury can lead to a variety of social and economic problems, such as poor health, low educational attainment, and high crime rates. It can also lead to feelings of hopelessness, despair, and social isolation. People who are living in penury often have to struggle to meet their basic needs and to survive day by day.

Example Sentences for Penury

1. The author wrote about his childhood growing up in penury, with little to no money.
2. The charity aimed to provide relief to those living in penury.
3. Despite his penury, the man was always willing to give to others in need.
4. The government was criticized for not doing enough to address the issue of penury in the country.
5. The musician's early years were marked by penury and hardship, until he was discovered by a talent scout.
6. The community rallied together to support a local family who had fallen into penury after a job loss.

Origin and Etymology of Penury

The noun 'penury' has its etymological origins in Latin and Middle English. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'penuria,' which signifies 'lack' or 'scarcity.' 'Penuria' is derived from 'paene,' meaning 'almost,' and 'egere,' meaning 'to need' or 'to lack.' In essence, 'penuria' conveyed the idea of a severe deficiency or a state of almost complete need. As Latin evolved into Middle English, the term 'penury' emerged in the late 14th century to describe a state of extreme poverty or financial hardship, emphasizing the profound lack of resources or means. The etymology of 'penury' underscores its historical association with scarcity and dire economic circumstances, highlighting the enduring relevance of the term to describe profound financial need.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun penury:

wealth

destitution

affluence

prosperity

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Penury

1. The effects of the pandemic were particularly harsh on those already living in penury.
2. The poet's work often focused on the struggles of those living in penury and the need for social justice.
3. The social worker dedicated her life to helping those living in penury, providing resources and assistance.
4. The entrepreneur grew up in penury but was able to build a successful business through hard work and determination.
5. The documentary shed light on the issue of penury in urban areas, where poverty is often hidden from view.
6. They lived in penury, struggling to make ends meet.
7. The charity aimed to alleviate the penury of the homeless.
8. Generosity can help those in penury find a way out.
9. Despite their penury, they maintained their dignity.
10. The documentary highlighted the harsh reality of penury.
11. The novel depicted the protagonist's journey from penury to success.
12. She dedicated her life to helping those in penury.
13. In times of economic crisis, penury can affect many.
14. His rise from penury to prosperity was an inspiring story.
15. Education is often the path out of penury.
16. The government implemented programs to address penury.
17. The artist's work gained recognition after years of penury.
18. The social worker advocated for policies to reduce penury.
19. Penury can lead to desperation and difficult choices.
20. The family's penury forced them to rely on food banks.
21. The novel explored the harsh consequences of penury.
22. Their dedication helped them escape the cycle of penury.
23. She used her platform to raise awareness about penury.
24. Economic inequality can perpetuate cycles of penury.
25. The charity's mission was to eradicate penury in the community.