Word
impoverished
Phoneticsim·pov·er·ished
US/ˌɪmˈpɑvɹɪʃt/
UK/ɪmpˈɒvəɹɪʃt/
Definitions
01very poor
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. having very little money or few possessions.
adj. reduced to a state of poverty; lacking the financial means for a basic standard of living.
“The charity works to provide clean water to impoverished villages in the region.”
“The documentary highlights the struggles of families living in impoverished urban districts where access to healthcare and education remains severely limited.”
Usage
Usually placed before a noun to describe a community or region.
02weakened or depleted
C1 · Advanced Academic · Formal
adj. lacking something important, such as nutrients in soil or variety in a language.
adj. depleted of essential components, qualities, or ingredients; rendered poor in substance.
“Years of intensive farming left the soil impoverished and unable to grow crops.”
“Critics argued that the new curriculum offered an impoverished view of history by focusing only on political leaders and ignoring social movements.”
Usage
Often used in environmental or academic contexts to describe a lack of depth or quality.
Real-World Examples
“Locals in impoverished areas say the insufficient government response after the earthquake speaks to a broader trend.” “Afghanistan’s dire hunger crisis now affects 14 million people including babies fed on little more than weak tea and bread by their despairing and impoverished parents.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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