dépourvu

Dépourvu is a French adjective meaning lacking, devoid of, or unprovided with. It is derived from the past participle of the verb dépourvoir, which means to deprive or strip of. The adjective can be used to describe a person, a thing, or an abstract concept. When used with a person, it often implies a lack of essential qualities or possessions. For example, someone might be described as "dépourvu de courage" (lacking courage) or "dépourvu de moyens" (without means). In the context of objects or places, it suggests an absence of something expected or necessary. A room could be "dépourvu de meubles" (devoid of furniture), or a region might be "dépourvu d'eau" (lacking water). Abstractly, one might speak of an argument that is "dépourvu de logique" (devoid of logic) or a character "dépourvu d'émotion" (unfeeling). The word often carries a connotation of deficiency or incompleteness. It is the opposite of the adjective pourvu, which means provided with or endowed with.