down and out

USAGE SUMMARY

"down and out" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who is feeling hopeless or defeated. For example: "John has been down and out since losing his job last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

From down and out to up and up.

Huffington Post

Three drop down and out every year.

The New York Times - Sports

He's down and out".

The New York Times

"Down and out," Gilmour sings.

The New Yorker

That faded down, and out.

The New York Times

We're not down and out.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Don't count Flickr as down-and-out just yet.

The New York Times

'I was looking like this down-and-out French tramp.

The Guardian

And believe me, these three were down-and-out.

Forbes

Consider a down-and-out cash-or-nothing put option with 6 months to expiration.

Mathematical Sciences

poems about some down-and-out opossums" shows abysmal ignorance.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "down and out", ensure that the context clearly indicates the type of hardship being experienced, whether financial, personal, or both.

Common error

Avoid using "down and out" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more precise and less colloquial alternatives like "impoverished" or "destitute" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "down and out" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, describing a state of being impoverished, dejected, or without prospects. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples illustrating this descriptive usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "down and out" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes someone in a state of extreme poverty, despair, or defeat. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and predominantly found in news and media contexts. While it effectively conveys hardship, it's advisable to consider the formality of the context and choose more precise alternatives like "destitute" or "impoverished" in formal settings. Remember to use it judiciously to accurately reflect the situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destitute

Focuses specifically on lacking the basic necessities of life.

impoverished

Emphasizes the state of being made poor.

at rock bottom

Implies reaching the lowest possible point in one's life.

penniless

Highlights the complete absence of money.

on the breadline

Indicates a state of extreme poverty, often relying on basic assistance.

broke

An informal term for having no money.

in dire straits

Emphasizes a state of extreme hardship or difficulty.

on hard times

A general term for experiencing a period of difficulty or misfortune.

on skid row

Refers to a rundown area associated with poverty and homelessness.

in the gutter

A more figurative and derogatory term for being in a degraded state.

FAQs

How can I use "down and out" in a sentence?

The phrase "down and out" typically describes someone in a state of poverty, despair, or defeat. For example: "After losing his job and his home, he was truly "down and out"."

What are some alternatives to saying "down and out"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "destitute", "impoverished", or "at rock bottom".

Is "down and out" a formal or informal expression?

"Down and out" is generally considered an informal expression. In more formal contexts, it's often better to use alternatives that are less colloquial, such as "impoverished" or "in dire straits".

What's the difference between "down and out" and "broke"?

While both terms relate to financial hardship, "broke" simply means having no money at the moment, whereas "down and out" suggests a more prolonged and severe state of poverty, often accompanied by other difficulties.