Poverty and Failure: English Vocabulary List

owning a very small amount of money or a very small number of things

"He is very poor."

"The family lived in poor conditions, struggling to afford basic necessities like food and shelter."

having been beaten in a competition, battle, or struggle

"The army is defeated."

"The defeated army surrendered and the general signed a peace treaty to end the long and bloody war between the two nations."

lacking enough money or resources to meet basic living requirements

"We should help needy families."

"The needy family received help from the local charity which provided them with food clothing and shelter during the harsh winter months."

having no money

"He is completely broken."

"After losing his job and savings, he found himself utterly broken and struggling to survive."

to be unsuccessful in accomplishing something

"Do not be afraid to fail."

"Even the most successful entrepreneurs fail sometimes but they learn valuable lessons from their mistakes."

to not win in a race, fight, game, etc.

"They might lose the game."

"If you do not practice regularly you may lose the skills you have already developed over time."

(of a relationship, negotiation, etc.) to fail to function properly

"The talks will break down."

"The old car finally broke down on the highway forcing us to call a tow truck for help."

to stop trying when faced with failures or difficulties

"Never give up on your dreams."

"Do not give up on your dreams just because you face a few obstacles along the way."

to experience a sudden and complete failure

"The building could collapse anytime."

"The old building collapsed suddenly because its foundation had been weakened by years of neglect and water damage."