Poverty is said to exist when people lack the means to satisfy their basic needs. In this context, the identification of poor people first requires a determination of what constitutes basic needs. POOR definition: having little or no money, goods, or other means of support. See examples of poor used in a sentence. Destitute of help; having no assistance from others; needy. Find 234 different ways to say POOR, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com. The meaning of POOR is lacking sufficient money or material possessions. How to use poor in a sentence. Delve into the comprehensive meaning and definition of poor. Discover its etymology, word forms (adjective, noun), diverse examples in literature and media, and common idioms. A complete guide for understanding this multifaceted term. POOR definition: 1. having little money and/or few possessions: 2. to have very little of a particular substance or…. Learn more. 1. having little or no money, goods, or other means of support. 2. Law. dependent upon charity or public support. 3. (of a country, institution, etc.) meagerly supplied or endowed with resources or funds. 4. characterized by or showing poverty. Poor is an adjective often used to describe a lack of financial resources or material possessions. It also extends to quality, indicating something that is not meeting satisfactory standards. If you describe something as poor, you mean that it is of a low quality or standard or that it is in bad condition. The flat was in a poor state of repair. The gap between the best and poorest childcare provision in Europe has widened. The food was poor.