The exact meaning of "penury" (from Latin penuria, meaning "want") can vary a bit from context to context. It sometimes has had a broad sense of "lack" or "scarcity," as when one character remarks …

PENURY definition: 1. the state of being extremely poor 2. the state of being extremely poor. Learn more.

Define penury. penury synonyms, penury pronunciation, penury translation, English dictionary definition of penury. n. Extreme want or poverty; destitution. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English …

PENURY definition: extreme poverty; destitution. See examples of penury used in a sentence.

Definition of penury noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 14, 2025 · penury (usually uncountable, plural penuries) (uncountable) Extreme need or want; destitution, poverty; (countable) an instance of this. quotations

There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun penury, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

penury in American English (ˈpɛnjuri , ˈpɛnjəri ) noun Origin: ME pennury < L penuria, want, scarcity < paene, scarcely: see passion lack of money, property, or necessities; extreme poverty; destitution

penury - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. All Free.

Penury means extreme poverty to the point of homelessness and begging in the streets. Economic downturns, job loss, shopping sprees, and weekends at the high rollers' table in Vegas can lead to …