Destitute: meaning, definitions and examples

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destitute

[ˈdɛstɪtjuːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Without the basic necessities of life; lacking food, shelter, and clothing.

Synonyms

deprived, impoverished, poor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
destitute	Use 'destitute' when referring to someone who lacks the basic necessities of life, like food, shelter, and clothing. It often conveys a severe level of poverty. The homeless man was destitute, having lost everything in the economic collapse. After the natural disaster, entire villages were left destitute and in need of urgent aid.
poor	'Poor' is a general term for lacking financial resources. It can range from mild to severe economic hardship and is often used in everyday language. Growing up, she was poor and had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. The government has introduced new policies to support poor families in rural areas.
impoverished	The word 'impoverished' is suitable for describing someone or something that has been made poor, often as a result of economic conditions. It can refer to individuals, communities, or countries. The once-thriving region became impoverished due to prolonged drought and mismanagement. Impoverished families often struggle to afford basic healthcare and education for their children.
deprived	The term 'deprived' is used to describe a lack of specific privileges, opportunities, or basic necessities, often in a relative sense. It can also refer to being denied something essential. The young boy grew up in a deprived neighborhood with few educational resources. The family felt deprived of their rights when their land was taken away by the government.

Examples of usage

She saw destitute children begging on the streets.
The war left many families destitute and homeless.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person

A person without any money or resources.

Synonyms

beggar, homeless, pauper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
destitute	Used to describe someone who is extremely poor and lacks the basic necessities of life. It’s suitable for formal and empathetic contexts. After losing his job and home, he found himself destitute and struggling to survive. The charity focuses on helping destitute families get back on their feet.
pauper	An old-fashioned term for a very poor person, often found in historical or literary contexts. It can carry a somewhat negative or pitiful connotation. In the 19th century, many paupers were forced to live in workhouses. The novel tells the story of a pauper who rises to wealth and prosperity.
beggar	Refers to someone who asks others for money or food on the streets. This term can sometimes carry a negative connotation. The man was approached by a beggar asking for spare change. In the city, beggars can often be seen near popular tourist spots.
homeless	Describes someone who does not have a permanent place to live. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, often without the negative connotations associated with ‘beggar’ or ‘pauper’. The organization provides shelters for homeless individuals during the winter months. She became homeless after her apartment building was condemned.

Examples of usage

The charity provides help for the destitute in our community.
He was once a wealthy businessman but ended up a destitute after the economic crisis.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'destitutus', meaning 'abandoned' or 'forsaken'.
It entered the English language in the late 15th century with a similar meaning of being bereft or lacking.
The prefix 'de-' generally indicates removal or reversal, while 'stitutus' refers to a standing or position.

Historical Context

In medieval Europe, destitution often led to townspeople establishing poorhouses to care for those in need.
The Great Depression in the 1930s saw a significant increase in destitution, prompting government action in welfare.

Literature

In Charles Dickens' works, characters often portray destitution, showcasing the social issues of 19th-century England.
The concept features in many classic novels, illustrating the struggle against poverty and the resilience of the human spirit.

Psychology

Experiencing destitution can lead to severe mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
People living in poverty may often feel a loss of dignity and purpose, influencing their overall well-being.

Social Issues

Destitution remains a pressing global issue, with millions lacking basic needs like food and shelter.
Many organizations work to alleviate destitution through poverty relief programs and education initiatives.

Translations

Translations of the word "destitute" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desamparado

🇮🇳 निर्धन

🇩🇪 mittellos

🇮🇩 miskin

🇺🇦 знедолений

🇵🇱 bez środków do życia

🇯🇵 貧しい

🇫🇷 démuni

🇪🇸 desamparado

🇹🇷 muhtaç

🇰🇷 가난한

🇸🇦 معدم

🇨🇿 nemajetný

🇸🇰 nemajetný

🇨🇳 贫困的

🇸🇮 brez sredstev

🇮🇸 fátækur

🇰🇿 кедей

🇬🇪 ღარიბი

🇦🇿 kasıb

🇲🇽 desamparado

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,207 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9204 baked
9205 inversion
9206 predictable
9207 destitute
9208 reasoned
9209 entrepreneurs
9210 peculiarities
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