Penury is a noun that means extreme poverty or destitution. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈpɛnjəri/. The first syllable is pronounced as "pen" with a short "e" sound followed by a soft "n". The second syllable is pronounced similar to the word "you" with a schwa sound. The third syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound followed by a soft "r". Overall, the spelling of the word penury is consistent with its pronunciation, making it easier to communicate effectively in writing and speech.
Penury is a noun that refers to a state of extreme poverty or destitution. It represents the condition of lacking adequate financial resources to provide for basic necessities and live a decent life. Someone in penury is unable to afford basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, and may struggle to meet other essential requirements such as healthcare and education.
The term penury is often used to describe a condition of severe economic hardship, where individuals or communities are trapped in a cycle of poverty, unable to escape due to various factors such as lack of employment opportunities, low wages, or limited access to resources. It conveys a sense of deprivation and scarcity, highlighting the struggle faced by those who are impoverished.
The concept of penury carries emotional undertones, suggesting not only financial scarcity but also the associated hardships, struggles, and deprivation that arise from such conditions. It implies living in a state of constant need and vulnerability, where individuals and families are unable to improve their circumstances and are heavily reliant on external aid or charitable assistance.
Overall, penury encapsulates the dire circumstances faced by those living in extreme poverty, characterized by a lack of material and financial resources, limited access to opportunities, and significant daily challenges in meeting basic needs.
Want of the necessaries of life; need; poverty.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "penury" can be traced back to the Latin word "penuria", which means "lack, scarcity, or poverty". This Latin term originates from the adjective "paenus", meaning "poor" or "needy". In turn, "paenus" comes from the Greek word "penos", which carries a similar meaning of "poverty" or "hardship". Over time, "penuria" evolved into "penurie" in Old French and later became "penury" in English. The term has maintained its core meaning of extreme poverty or destitution throughout its history.