1. the state of being made poor or the process of becoming poor; lack of money or resources
2. the weakening or reduction of something in quality, strength, or value
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The economic crisis led to the impoverishment of thousands of families.
• Years of war resulted in the impoverishment of the nation's resources.
• The impoverishment of the soil made farming increasingly difficult.
• Rapid industrialization caused the impoverishment of traditional crafts.
• The policy aimed to prevent the impoverishment of rural communities.
• Environmental degradation has contributed to the impoverishment of local ecosystems.