Down-and-out

Describing a person or situation experiencing severe financial hardship, homelessness, and often a sense of despair or hopelessness. It signifies a state of extreme poverty and social exclusion, often stemming from joblessness, lack of resources, and/or personal struggles. The condition typically involves a lack of shelter, food, and the basic necessities for survival, as well as potential issues with mental and physical health. This term evokes a sense of vulnerability and marginalization within society, emphasizing the desperate circumstances individuals face when they have lost their means of support and find themselves struggling to survive. It underscores the importance of social safety nets and supportive programs to aid those in dire straits and provide them with opportunities for recovery and reintegration into the community.

Down-and-out meaning with examples

• After losing his job and his apartment, Mark quickly became down-and-out. He was forced to live on the streets, struggling to find food and shelter. His clothes were tattered, and his spirit seemed broken. He spent his days searching for any sort of opportunity, desperately trying to change his situation.
• The economic recession left many families Down-and-out, unable to pay their mortgages or put food on the table. Soup kitchens and shelters became overwhelmed with the influx of people seeking help. The social fabric of many communities was strained by the widespread desperation.
• He went through his fortune quickly with nothing left. The once wealthy businessman soon found himself down-and-out. He spent his nights sleeping in doorways, haunted by his past success. Finding no hope for recovery he began to drink heavily.
• The documentary followed the lives of Down-and-out individuals in a major city, highlighting the challenges they faced. Their struggles included addiction, lack of access to healthcare, and the constant threat of violence. The film aimed to raise awareness and empathy.
• After years of struggling with gambling addiction and substance abuse, she was completely down-and-out. She had lost her family, her home, and her health. The consequences of her actions were devastating to her and those around her.