Why Does Penniless Need Some Money?

People who live without enough — either because they've lost a job, had other bad luck, or are experiencing a temporarily poor stage in their lives — can call themselves penniless. Some college students feel penniless, having only enough cash to buy used books for class and eating every meal in the dining hall.

What is the root word in penniless?

"destitute, poverty-stricken," early 14c., penyles, from penny + -less.

What type of word is penniless?

Not having a penny; utterly impoverished; extremely poor.