The state of lacking possessions, resources, or any form of significant wealth. This can refer to a lack of material goods, financial stability, or even emotional support and meaningful relationships. It often implies a condition of poverty, deprivation, or vulnerability, where basic needs may not be met. It can also encompass a feeling of emptiness or a lack of purpose in life, going beyond mere financial or material concerns and touching upon the individual's overall well-being. The term highlights a lack of tangible or intangible assets crucial for survival, comfort, or a sense of security. It is a state of being devoid of the essentials that ensure a quality existence.
Having-nothing meaning with examples
- After the fire consumed their home, the family found themselves having-nothing but the clothes on their backs and the memory of better days. They relied on community support, facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch. The tragedy underscored the fragility of material possessions and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, highlighting their new, impoverished state.
- Despite her years of hard work, Sarah ended up having-nothing, the economic downturn had wiped out her savings, and the bank foreclosed on her home. She was forced to move back in with her parents and grapple with the shame, the economic depression and the stark reality of her lost wealth. The stress of having nothing drove her to apply for several government programs.
- The old hermit lived a life of voluntary having-nothing, choosing solitude and simplicity over material comforts. His small cabin, sparsely furnished, reflected his deliberate rejection of consumerism. His peace, ironically, stemmed from this deprivation of possessions, finding contentment in the natural world, showing his disregard for worldly goods and worldly influence, and prioritizing inner peace.
- The refugees, fleeing their war-torn country, arrived with having-nothing. They had to endure the initial hardship of securing basic needs, the struggle for survival, and starting anew. They had left everything behind, so were having-nothing, not even hope. The community and international agencies offered aid and assistance, enabling them to build a new existence.
- Following a series of bad investments, the once-wealthy entrepreneur found himself having-nothing, reduced to selling his belongings to make ends meet. The stark contrast between his former lifestyle and his current situation was both humbling and disheartening. He was completely dependent on what help he could get, and had to quickly adjust to a new reality.
- She struggled to make ends meet every day, struggling to survive even when she felt she had nothing