poverty-stricken

IPA/ˈpɒvəti strɪkən/
IPA/ˈpɑːvərti strɪkən/

poverty-stricken — adjective

1. used to describe someone who is so poor that they cannot afford basic things suc

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe someone who is so poor that they cannot afford basic things such as food, housing, or medical care — also used about places where many people live in this condition.

例句

The poverty-stricken village had no running water or electricity.

collocation: poverty-stricken + village / neighborhood / region

Elena grew up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood in Manila.

poverty-stricken as attributive adjective before noun

同義詞
  • destitute

    even stronger than 'poverty-stricken' — suggests having no money, no home, and no possessions at all

  • impoverished

    more formal, often used for regions, countries, or populations rather than individuals

  • penniless

    used for individuals who have no money at a particular moment; can be temporary

  • indigent

    very formal; found mainly in legal, medical, or government documents

反義詞
  • wealthy

    opposite in degree — having plenty of money and resources

  • affluent

    slightly more formal than 'wealthy', often used for communities or areas

  • prosperous

    focuses on economic success and growth rather than just having money

用法筆記

This word is stronger and more dramatic than 'poor'. It suggests a severe, long-lasting lack of basic necessities rather than a temporary or mild shortage. Typically used in journalism, NGO reports, and formal discussions about global poverty.

常見錯誤

❌The family was poor-stricken after the flood.
✅The family was poverty-stricken after the flood.
💡The correct compound is 'poverty-stricken', not 'poor-stricken'.
❌I felt poverty-stricken when I couldn't buy coffee this week.
✅Many families in the region are poverty-stricken and cannot afford basic food.
💡'poverty-stricken' describes extreme, long-term lack, not a temporary inconvenience.