penurious

Penurious is an adjective derived from the Latin word "penuria," which means scarcity or want. It is used to describe someone who is extremely poor or lacking in money. The term is often employed to convey a sense of extreme financial hardship or meagerness. For example, a penurious individual might struggle to afford basic necessities such as food, shelter, or healthcare. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where resources are scarce or limited. In literature and everyday language, "penurious" is sometimes used to emphasize the severity of a financial situation or to highlight the contrast between the speaker's current circumstances and their previous wealth or prosperity. Despite its negative connotation, the term is not typically used in a derogatory manner, as it simply describes a state of financial scarcity.