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

The former, which Miller once considered calling “The Inside of His Head,” is fluidly constructed, playing fast and loose with time as it tracks the disintegrating mental life of down-and-out salesman Willy Loman.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

"These are a group of elderly down-and-out thieves, they're always broke, they're forever involved in convoluted plans… and they're facing a huge celebrity and they don't even know who she is."

From BBC • Apr. 27, 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

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

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2024

Mr. Pickwell had brought home a down-and-out shoe salesman in sore need of sympathy and a good meal.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli