impoverish
gb/ɪmpˈɑvɹɪʃ/ us/ɪmpˈɑvɹɪʃ/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
C1
action
1
make someone or a place poor
to make someone poor
Usage pattern:
impoverish [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Often confused with similar-looking words like improve or improvise; impoverish means ‘make poor,’ not ‘make better.’
Synonyms
reduce to poverty (More explicit about the end state (poverty).)
|
make poor (More general and less formal.)
|
bankrupt (Stronger; often focuses on finances and may suggest complete financial ruin.)
Antonyms
enrich (Opposite effect: makes someone or something wealthier.)
|
prosper (Describes becoming successful/wealthy rather than causing poverty.)
Collocations
impoverish communities
|impoverish families
|impoverish workers
|impoverish the poor
|impoverish a country
|impoverish a region
|impoverish oneself
|policies that impoverish
|taxes that impoverish
|war impoverished the nation
Themes
money
|society
|politics
|economy
Examples
- The civil war impoverished the country for decades.
- High medical bills can impoverish families who have no insurance.
- Some critics say the reforms will impoverish rural communities.
Learner examples
- The drought impoverished many farmers.
- Bad loans can impoverish a family.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
make something less rich or effective
to make something worse or less rich
Usage pattern:
impoverish [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use it for small, temporary declines; it usually suggests a serious, lasting loss in quality or richness.
Synonyms
deplete (Emphasizes using up resources (e.g., nutrients, reserves).)
|
diminish (More general; can be less severe.)
|
weaken (Focuses on loss of strength or effectiveness.)
Antonyms
enhance (Makes something better or stronger.)
|
enrich (Adds variety, value, or fertility.)
Collocations
impoverish the soil
|impoverish the land
|impoverish the diet
|impoverish the environment
|impoverish the debate
|impoverish the language
|impoverish culture
|impoverish the experience
|impoverish the curriculum
|impoverish biodiversity
Themes
education
|environment
|language
|health
Examples
- Overfarming can impoverish the soil and reduce crop yields.
- Cutting arts programs may impoverish students’ education.
- A restricted vocabulary can impoverish your writing.
Learner examples
- Too much rain can impoverish the soil.
- This rule impoverishes the discussion.
Grammar
Dictionary form
impoverish
IPA
GB/ɪmpˈɑvɹɪʃ/
US/ɪmpˈɑvɹɪʃ/
Syllables & stress
im - pov - er - ish (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pov)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: impoverish
- 3rd Person Singular: impoverishes
- Present Participle: impoverishing
- Past: impoverished
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.