destitution Definition
- 1extreme poverty
- 2lack of the means of subsistence
Using destitution: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "destitution" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The earthquake left many people in destitution.
Example
The family was rescued from destitution by a kind-hearted stranger.
Example
The government is working to alleviate the destitution caused by the pandemic.
destitution Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with destitution
to cause someone to become extremely poor
Example
The loss of his job reduced him to destitution.
to be in a situation of extreme poverty
Example
Without help, many families will face destitution this winter.
to save someone from extreme poverty
Example
The charity works to rescue families from destitution and provide them with basic necessities.
Origins of destitution
from Latin 'destitutus', meaning 'forsaken, abandoned'
Summary: destitution in Brief
The term 'destitution' [ˌdɛstɪˈtjuːʃən] refers to extreme poverty or lack of the means of subsistence. It is often used to describe the dire circumstances of individuals or families who lack basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing. Examples include 'The earthquake left many people in destitution,' and 'The family was rescued from destitution by a kind-hearted stranger.' Synonyms include 'poverty,' 'indigence,' and 'neediness.'