unendowed
|un-en-dowed|
/ˌʌnɪnˈdaʊd/
not given / without a gift or provision
Etymology
'unendowed' originates from English, specifically the prefix 'un-' + the word 'endow', where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'endow' meant 'to provide with a gift or fund'.
'endow' changed from Old French 'endouer' (from Latin 'donare') into Middle English 'endowen' and then modern English 'endow'; the negative prefix 'un-' was later attached to form 'unendowed'.
Initially, 'endow' meant 'to give (for example a dowry) or to provide with funds'; over time it broadened to mean 'to provide with a quality, ability, or resource', and 'unendowed' came to mean 'not provided with such funds or qualities'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not provided with an endowment; lacking funds, property, or institutional financial support.
The small college was unendowed and struggled to maintain its programs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
lacking natural gifts, talents, or desirable qualities (used especially of personal abilities).
He admitted he was unendowed musically but practiced every day.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/18 15:47