Poorhouse
noun
An institution where poor or homeless people are provided shelter and care.
She was terrified of losing her job and ending up in a poorhouse.
Often appears as...
- end up in a poorhouse
- driven to the poorhouse
noun
A state of extreme poverty.
If he keeps spending money recklessly, he'll be on a fast track to the poorhouse.
Often appears as...
- on the road to the poorhouse
- fast track to the poorhouse
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
noun
An institution where poor or homeless people are provided shelter and care.
She was terrified of losing her job and ending up in a poorhouse.
Often appears as...
- end up in a poorhouse
- driven to the poorhouse
noun
A state of extreme poverty.
If he keeps spending money recklessly, he'll be on a fast track to the poorhouse.
Often appears as...
- on the road to the poorhouse
- fast track to the poorhouse
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Poorhouses were common in the past, serving as homeless shelters with strict rules.
History books often describe the harsh conditions in the poorhouses of the 19th century.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Symbol
'Poorhouse' symbolizes the fear of poverty and the societal safety net's last resort.
He dreaded poverty, viewing the poorhouse as the ultimate failure.
Pro Tip 3/3Social Stigma
Being in a poorhouse was often seen as shameful due to societal attitudes towards poverty.
Her ancestors were in a poorhouse, a fact she learned the family rarely spoke of.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Poorhouses were common in the past, serving as homeless shelters with strict rules.
History books often describe the harsh conditions in the poorhouses of the 19th century.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Symbol
'Poorhouse' symbolizes the fear of poverty and the societal safety net's last resort.
He dreaded poverty, viewing the poorhouse as the ultimate failure.
Pro Tip 3/3Social Stigma
Being in a poorhouse was often seen as shameful due to societal attitudes towards poverty.
Her ancestors were in a poorhouse, a fact she learned the family rarely spoke of.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Poorhouses were common in the past, serving as homeless shelters with strict rules.
History books often describe the harsh conditions in the poorhouses of the 19th century.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Symbol
'Poorhouse' symbolizes the fear of poverty and the societal safety net's last resort.
He dreaded poverty, viewing the poorhouse as the ultimate failure.
Pro Tip 3/3Social Stigma
Being in a poorhouse was often seen as shameful due to societal attitudes towards poverty.
Her ancestors were in a poorhouse, a fact she learned the family rarely spoke of.
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Quote examples
J. D. Vance
American Author
We spend our way to the poorhouse. We buy giant TVs and iPads. Our children wear nice clothes thanks to high-interest credit cards and payday loans. We purchase homes we don't need, refinance them for more spending money, and declare bankruptcy, often leaving them full of garbage in our wake. Thrift is inimical to our being.
Quote examples
James A. Michener
American Novelist
I can't remember how old I was, maybe 13, 14, and to see these fellows and hear their stories and to see life come to such a drab ending - my God, a poorhouse in those days was something. You would have to be inert not to respond to it.
Quote examples
Robin Leach
English Writer
There are few celebrities that I don't know personally. And compared to the rich, most of the famous live in the poorhouse. It's much better to be rich than famous.
Quote examples
Henry Czerny
Canadian Actor
My dad thought I'd end up in the poorhouse or in doughnut shops with a bag full of reviews.
Quote examples
J. D. Vance
American Author
We spend our way to the poorhouse. We buy giant TVs and iPads. Our children wear nice clothes thanks to high-interest credit cards and payday loans. We purchase homes we don't need, refinance them for more spending money, and declare bankruptcy, often leaving them full of garbage in our wake. Thrift is inimical to our being.
Quote examples
James A. Michener
American Novelist
I can't remember how old I was, maybe 13, 14, and to see these fellows and hear their stories and to see life come to such a drab ending - my God, a poorhouse in those days was something. You would have to be inert not to respond to it.
Quote examples
Robin Leach
English Writer
There are few celebrities that I don't know personally. And compared to the rich, most of the famous live in the poorhouse. It's much better to be rich than famous.
Quote examples
Henry Czerny
Canadian Actor
My dad thought I'd end up in the poorhouse or in doughnut shops with a bag full of reviews.
Example 1 of 4
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