What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
destitution
Example
The refugees were living in destitution, with no access to food or shelter. [destitution: noun]
Example
After losing his job, he fell into a state of destitution and had to rely on charity for survival. [destitution: noun]
privation
Example
The prisoners suffered from privation, with no access to proper nutrition or medical care. [privation: noun]
Example
Growing up in a war-torn country, she experienced many privations, including a lack of education and healthcare. [privations: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deprivation is more commonly used than destitution in everyday language. Deprivation is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while destitution is less common and refers to an extreme form of poverty.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between destitution and privation?
Both destitution and privation are formal words that are typically used in serious or academic contexts, such as economics, sociology, or politics.
