Drought stress significantly impends plant growth and agricultural productivity, especially with the increasing global population and climate change.Legumes, which account for a significant portion of global agricultural output and protein supply, are particularly vulnerable to drought, affecting their growth, developmentand yield. Despite the well-documented adverse effects of drought on various crops, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the responses and adaptive mechanisms of legume crops to drought stress. This review explores the multifaceted impacts of drought stress on legumes, from seed germination, morphology, physiological processes to yield outcomes and also the adaptive mechanisms that enable them to tolerate such stress. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing strategies to enhance legume productivity under drought conditions.