What does impecunious mean?
Impecunious is a formal adjective for someone who lacks money or means. It describes not only an individual in present hardship but also a person whose work or circumstances are chronically marked by poverty. In literary and historical prose, the word often carries a sympathetic, slightly old-fashioned tone: an impecunious scholar may be presented as devoted to learning despite limited resources, while an impecunious artist evokes a life spent struggling to finance creative work. It is more pointed than simply poor and more specific than destitute, which can imply severe deprivation. The term can also modify a condition or period, as in impecunious circumstances. Although uncommon in everyday conversation, it is useful in formal writing because it conveys poverty with precision and historical resonance. Its memorable Latin foundation, built literally from “without” and “money,” makes its meaning both transparent and unusually economical to explain.
adjectiveHaving little or no money; poor or penniless. It can also describe circumstances characterized by a lack of funds.
- Having little or no money; poor, needy, or penniless.
"The impecunious scholar continued her research despite having enough money only for food and rent."
"After her allowance ended, the impecunious student searched for work on campus."
"The memoir describes the artist's impecunious years in a rented studio near the docks."
Built from Latin for “without money,” impecunious is a polished way to say someone is penniless.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impecunious come from?
Impecunious entered English in the early 17th century from Latin impecuniosus, meaning “without money” or “poor.” The Latin word was formed from im-, a form of the negative prefix in-, together with pecunia, meaning “money.” English pecunious and impecuniosity are related forms built on the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How impecunious is actually used
Formal and literary, with a somewhat old-fashioned tone. It is more pointed than poor and can carry sympathetic associations when applied to writers, scholars, or artists.
Easily confused with impecunious
Impecunious means lacking money, whereas imperious means domineering or arrogantly authoritative.
Pecunious means wealthy or money-conscious, so it has roughly the opposite meaning of impecunious.