down-and-out

[ doun-uhnd-out, -uhn ]

adjective

1. without any money, or means of support, or prospects; destitute; penniless.
2. without physical strength or stamina; disabled; incapacitated.
3. too physically weakened by repeated defeats to qualify as a competent professional boxer.

noun

1. Also down-and-outer. a person who is down-and-out.

down-and-out

adjective

1. without any means of livelihood; impoverished and, often, socially outcast

noun

1. a person who is destitute and, often, homeless; a social outcast or derelict

Word History and Origins

Origin of down-and-out¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Idioms and Phrases

Lacking funds or prospects; destitute, penniless. For example, After losing his job, car, and home, he was completely down and out . This term probably originated in boxing, where it alludes to the fighter who is knocked down and stays down for a given time, thereby losing the bout. [c. 1900] Also see down for the count .

Example Sentences

After back-to-back losses to good teams, the Commanders take out their frustrations on the down-and-out Cowboys.

From Los Angeles Times

On her own talk show, she occasionally hired the most down-and-out standups to work in the writers room.

From Seattle Times

Her record-breaking haul is all the sweeter because two years ago she was a self-described "down-and-out" in the music industry.

From BBC

Attorneys for Washington, 59, have said prosecutors brought a thin and illogical case against a down-and-out drinker who was anything but angry toward the famous friend who supported him.

From Seattle Times

Twenty-four years ago, a minister to the down-and-out of Des Moines took a mid-career leap into the unknown, moving his growing family west to become pastor for poverty outreach at a Pasadena church.

From Los Angeles Times