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Definitions

empty-handed

[emp-tee-han-did] / ˈɛmp tiˈhæn dɪd /
ADJECTIVE
necessitous
Synonyms
WEAK
bad off bankrupt beggared beggarly behind the eight ball broke destitute dirt poor down-and-out flat flat broke fortuneless hard up impecunious impoverished in need in want indigent insolvent low meager moneyless needy on one's uppers pauperized penniless penurious pinched poverty-stricken reduced scanty stone broke strapped suffering truly needy underprivileged unprosperous
ADJECTIVE
poor
Synonyms
STRONGEST
destitute impoverished indigent low meager needy penniless poverty-stricken underprivileged
STRONG
bankrupt down-and-out flat insolvent scanty suffering
WEAK
bad off beggared beggarly behind the eight ball broke dirt poor flat broke fortuneless hard up impecunious in need in want moneyless necessitous pauperized penurious pinched reduced stone broke strapped truly needy unprosperous
Antonyms
STRONGEST
affluent prosperous rich wealthy well-to-do
STRONG
comfortable fortunate solvent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Twenty-four men have lifted the trophy in Sheffield; hundreds have left empty-handed.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

“Marty Supreme,” which was nominated for nine awards, went home empty-handed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Rising star Young did not leave empty-handed, picking up best breakthrough artist while Wolf Alice snagged group of the year.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

But far from seeing both sides as leaving empty-handed, many consider Reykjavik crucial.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

Nobody asked him if it was okay Finally, Marv walks in, empty-handed.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak