1 destitution | Definition of destitution
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destitution

noun
des·​ti·​tu·​tion | \ ˌde-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce destitution (audio) , -ˈtyü-\

Definition of destitution

: the state of being destitute especially : such extreme want as threatens life unless relieved
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about destitution

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Choose the Right Synonym for destitution

poverty, indigence, penury, want, destitution mean the state of one with insufficient resources. poverty may cover a range from extreme want of necessities to an absence of material comforts. the extreme poverty of the slum dwellers indigence implies seriously straitened circumstances. the indigence of her years as a graduate student penury suggests a cramping or oppressive lack of money. a catastrophic illness that condemned them to years of penury want and destitution imply extreme poverty that threatens life itself through starvation or exposure. lived in a perpetual state of want the widespread destitution in countries beset by famine

Examples of destitution in a Sentence

widespread destitution in Third World countries

Recent Examples on the Web

 The country has addressed much of the abject destitution that vast numbers of Indians lived in 25 years ago. — The Christian Science Monitor, "Giving brushoffs the brushoff," 5 Sep. 2019 Even in Mulvaney's old district, there are pockets of extreme destitution. — Jonathan Allen, NBC News, "Trump puts minorities in his 'basket of deplorables'," 29 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'destitution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of destitution

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for destitution

destitution

noun
des·​ti·​tu·​tion | \ ˌde-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce destitution (audio) , -ˈtyü-\

Kids Definition of destitution

: the condition of being very poor

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More from Merriam-Webster on destitution

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with destitution

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for destitution

Spanish Central: Translation of destitution

Nglish: Translation of destitution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of destitution for Arabic Speakers

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