DIRT-POOR Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

dirt-poor

adjective

ˈdərt-ˈpu̇r

Definition of dirt-poor

as in impoverished

lacking money or material possessions growing up dirt-poor in the rural South

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of dirt-poor But the Shoutin’, Rick Bragg’s first family memoir about growing up dirt-poor in Alabama. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025 Many readers addressed their fan letters not to the author, Betty Smith, but to her main character, Francie Nolan, a dirt-poor tenement child with big dreams. — Perri Klass, The New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2024 Shot in a single take, Night Shift tells the story of a desperate and dirt-poor Khun (played by Chatchai), who decides to pack things up to have a better life in the city. — Sara Merican, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024 Roberta Ceretto’s grandfather Riccardo moved to Alba in the 1930s from a dirt-poor village in the high Langhe and found work with a local wine producer. — Lee Marshall, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2022 See All Example Sentences for dirt-poor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirt-poor

Adjective

But perhaps the most impressive thing the seemingly tireless Parton did during her 80 years was donate much of her wealth to impoverished communities.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
The loosened restrictions will not empower Washington to pursue investment and economic cooperation with al Sharaa’s government, which could transform the impoverished country.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of impoverished

Adjective

Dozens of companies have withdrawn over the past decades due to poor profits, an uncertain business outlook and concerns about harm to their reputations from making arms, especially lethal weapons.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Along the way, the audience can expect tons of humiliation, terrible second prizes, and the guarantee that Robertson will turn at least one poor soul's wrong turn into several minutes of unhinged public destruction.

— Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of poor

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dirtiness

dirt-poor

dirty

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“Dirt-poor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirt-poor. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dirt-poor

adjective

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