moneyless

The adjective moneyless describes someone or something that has no money. It is stronger and more absolute than terms such as poor or short of funds: it denotes an absence of money rather than merely a low income, although the circumstances can range from temporary destitution to a deliberately cashless system. In ordinary use, moneyless often emphasizes vulnerability, as when describing a person without the means to obtain food, shelter, or transportation. It can also apply collectively to an economy, community, or period characterized by the absence of usable currency. The word therefore has a stark and often critical tone, while still providing a precise alternative to longer descriptions such as “without financial resources.” It is useful when the lack of money itself, rather than the broader condition of poverty, is the central point. Because the term is absolute, writers may choose penniless or impoverished when a less categorical expression would be more accurate.

Having no money; lacking money or financial resources.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does moneyless come from?

Moneyless is an English compound formed from money and the suffix -less, meaning “without.” Money entered Middle English from Anglo-French and ultimately derives from Latin moneta, while less derives from Old English lēssa, meaning “lesser.” The compound reflects the productive English pattern of adding -less to a noun to create an adjective expressing absence.

How moneyless is actually used

The word is primarily descriptive but often carries a stark, critical, or sympathetic implication. It can be attributive, as in “a moneyless family,” or predicative, as in “the family was left moneyless.” It is more absolute than poor and need not always imply permanent destitution.

Easily confused with moneyless

What's another word for moneyless?

Words and phrases paired with moneyless

What's the opposite of moneyless?