Skip to main content
unwealthy

unwealthy

3.7
Not having much money or valuable things
  • adjective
  • /ʌnˈwɛlθi/
translation icon : pobre
  • The unwealthy community came together to support one another during tough times.

Examples

  • And, and that's what bothers me with that unwealthy mindset.

  • Once again, those guys are trying to pit class against class—in this case, the elderly against unwealthy younger people.

    Blog text (16)
  • Many unwealthy families struggle to afford basic necessities like food and housing.

  • Despite being unwealthy, he always found ways to help those in need.

Synonyms

poor
vsunwealthy
1.0

Having little money or possessions

is broader, including property and valuable items as well as money
propertyless
vsunwealthy
1 8.4

Not having a home, money, or other things of value

refers more broadly to lacking money, possessions, or valuable items
poorish
vsunwealthy
  • Informal
4.0

Not having much money or many things

describes a clearer, more complete lack of money and possessions
unpropertied
vsunwealthy
7.2

Not owning land or other valuable things

describes general lack of money and possessions, not only large assets

Antonyms

1.0

Having a lot of money and valuable things

520 2.5

Having a lot of money and many expensive things

How Wealthy

wealthy
520 2.5
well-off
33 3.4
comfortable
107 2.9
unwealthy
3.7
destitute
20 6.5

Surface Forms

unwealthy positive
unwealthier comparative
unwealthiest superlative

Morphology

unwealthy = wealthy (transparent) = un + wealth + y

Formed by productive negation un- applied to the adjective 'wealthy', so the meaning 'not wealthy' is directly deducible.

Etymology

The word unwealthy comes from the small prefix un- 'not' and wealth 'riches'. So, unwealthy simply means 'not rich' or 'without much money', which is why we use it for people or families with little money.