# poorest

/ˈpuɹɪst/ (US) · /pˈɔːɹəst/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/poorest
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

having the least amount of money or resources compared to everyone else in a group.

For teachers: the superlative form of 'poor'; describes the state of having the lowest level of wealth, resources, or quality within a specific set.

## Examples

- This is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city.
- The government is launching a new initiative to provide better healthcare to the poorest members of society.
- Statistical data suggests that the poorest regions often suffer most from environmental degradation due to a lack of infrastructure and political leverage.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the most poorest" but "the poorest" — Poorest is already a superlative; adding 'most' is a double superlative error.

## Usage notes

- Superlative form; typically preceded by the definite article 'the'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.