broke

This term is primarily used in informal, spoken English to describe a temporary state of having no money. While it can describe a total lack of funds, it often implies a situational shortage rather than a permanent legal status of bankruptcy, though it is frequently used hyperbolically to mean "very poor."

It is commonly intensified with the adverb "flat" to emphasize the absolute nature of the financial deficit. Using "broke" in a formal business report or legal document would be inappropriate; in those contexts, terms like "insolvent" or "bankrupt" are required.