impecunious

What does “impecunious” mean?

adjective.having little or no money.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages discussing social issues, economic challenges, or character backgrounds, emphasizing a state of financial struggle or poverty. It suggests not only a lack of funds but also the broader implications of socioeconomic status, distinguishing it from similar terms like "poor," which may not convey the same depth of hardship or societal impact.

Common Confusions

Impecunious implies a severe lack of financial resources often tied to socioeconomic issues, while poor usually suggests a general state of lacking wealth without the same emphasis on the broader implications of financial struggle.

Example Sentences

• The impecunious student could barely afford textbooks.

Word Parts: How to Remember “impecunious”

Break “impecunious” into its parts: in- (not). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: in- not (Latin)