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Definition of impoverishment

impoverishment

/ɪmˈpɑː.vɚ.ɪʃ.mənt/
im · pov · er · ish · ment
Plural:impoverishments
•
Adjective:impoverished
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impoverishment Lexical Profile

impoverishment Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The process of becoming poor, or the state of extreme financial poverty and deprivation.

Example

"Prolonged inflation and rising unemployment led to the widespread impoverishment of working-class families."

2

The exhaustion, depletion, or loss of natural fertility, creative vitality, or essential qualities.

Example

"Decades of intensive monoculture farming resulted in the severe impoverishment of the local topsoil."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

impoundment
impoverish
impoverished
impoverishment
impracticable
impracticably
impractical

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 16th century from the verb 'impoverish' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ment'. 'Impoverish' derives from Old French 'empovrir' ('to make poor'), ultimately tracing back to Latin 'pauper' ('poor').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Impoverishment. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/impoverishment
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