have-not

UK: ˈhævˌnɒt | US: ˈhævˌnɑːt

Definition

  1. n. a person or group lacking material possessions, wealth, or social status; the disadvantaged.

Structure
have <possess>not <negation>
Etymology

The term "have-not" emerged in the early 19th century as a compound of "have" (from Old English habban, meaning "to possess") and "not" (a negation marker). It contrasts with "haves" to describe socioeconomic disparity, framing inequality through the lens of possession. The word's logic is transparent: it literally denotes those who "do not have."

Examples

  1. The charity aims to bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots.

  2. In many societies, the have-nots struggle to access basic resources.

  3. The documentary highlighted the lives of the have-nots in urban slums.

  4. Policies should address systemic barriers faced by the have-nots.

  5. Historically, revolutions often arose from tensions between the haves and the have-nots.