What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poor
Example
The family was too poor to afford basic necessities. [poor: adjective]
Example
The quality of the product was poor and disappointing. [poor: adjective]
Example
Many people in the rural areas are poor and struggle to make ends meet. [poor: adjective]
impoverished
Example
The war-torn country was left impoverished and struggling to rebuild. [impoverished: adjective]
Example
The impoverished village lacked access to clean water and basic healthcare. [impoverished: adjective]
Example
The economic crisis left many families impoverished and unable to provide for their children. [impoverished: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Poor is more commonly used than impoverished in everyday language. Poor is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while impoverished is more specific and formal.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between poor and impoverished?
Impoverished is a more formal word than poor. It is often used in academic or professional settings to describe severe poverty or economic conditions.
