What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penceless
Example
I'm penceless at the moment, can you lend me some coins for the parking meter? [penceless: adjective]
Example
I couldn't buy anything from the vending machine because I was penceless. [penceless: adjective]
penniless
Example
After losing his job, he was left penniless and had to rely on charity. [penniless: adjective]
Example
I can't afford to go on vacation this year, I'm completely penniless. [penniless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Penniless is more commonly used than penceless in everyday language. Penniless is a more versatile term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while penceless is more colloquial and specific to situations involving small change.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between penceless and penniless?
Penniless is generally considered more formal than penceless. While penceless is more colloquial and informal, penniless can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
