down-and-out

American  

[doun-uhnd-out, -uhn] / ˈdaʊn əndˈaʊt, -ən /

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.

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noun

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

down-and-out British  

adjective

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

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noun

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

down and out Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of down-and-out

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

A down-and-out man is approached by a mysterious, well-dressed figure who uses a simple kid’s game to test his want of money against his tolerance for pain and humiliation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2025

Still, in fast-growing Florida, that problem does not necessarily produce down-and-out neighborhoods: Residents who can’t afford to make repairs are forced to sell at bargain prices to investors who can.

From Slate • Oct. 9, 2024

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 • Mar. 3, 2024

But throughout baseball history, down-and-out teams with all the pressure removed have invariably proven pesky foes, and the A’s and Royals were no exceptions in August.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 30, 2023

She still shops at the dollar stores in Englewood, her old down-and-out neighborhood.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times