Waif

A waif is a person, especially a child, who is homeless, friendless, and often undernourished or neglected. They appear lost or forlorn, evoking a sense of vulnerability and helplessness. This word can also be applied metaphorically to describe anything appearing abandoned, such as a lost animal or a discarded object. It emphasizes a sense of isolation, fragility, and lack of care or belonging. The term often carries connotations of poverty, adversity, and a difficult upbringing.

Waif meaning with examples

• The war orphaned many children, leaving them to wander the streets as waifs, begging for food and shelter. Their skeletal frames and hollow eyes spoke volumes about their suffering. Compassionate volunteers worked tirelessly to provide care, yet the enormity of the need remained overwhelming, with many facing a constant struggle for survival.
• The old, stray dog, a scruffy waif with matted fur and ribs showing, crept into the alley looking for scraps. He had likely been abandoned long ago, forced to fend for himself. Despite his fear and exhaustion, there was a flicker of hope in his eyes when the kind woman offered him a bowl of water and a soft place to sleep.
• The novel's protagonist, a young girl orphaned at an early age, was a waif who learned to survive by her wits and resilience. She navigated the treacherous streets of the city alone. The challenges she faced shaped her into a complex character who possessed a deep longing for love and a sense of belonging, which eluded her.
• The tattered, weather-beaten sailboat, cast adrift after the storm, became a sad waif on the vast ocean. It looked so forlorn and small against the immense waves. It looked abandoned, a lonely vessel, its fate uncertain. The lack of a crew or navigational aid rendered its final destination unknown.