Destitution: meaning, definitions and examples

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destitution

[ˌdɛstɪˈtjuʃ(ə)n ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

poverty

The state of being extremely poor, lacking the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, and clothing. Destitution is often characterized by extreme hardship and deprivation.

Synonyms

impoverishment, poverty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
destitution	Use 'destitution' when describing a severe, extreme level of poverty. It often implies a lack of basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing. This term is dramatic and emphasizes a dire situation. The earthquake left thousands of people in a state of destitution. Living in destitution, they had no choice but to beg for food.
poverty	Use 'poverty' to describe the general state of having little or no money and few material possessions. It is a broad term that can apply to various situations and is commonly used in both formal and informal settings. Many families live in poverty, struggling to meet their basic needs. Efforts to reduce poverty have focused on education and job creation.
impoverishment	Use 'impoverishment' when talking about the process or state of becoming poor or losing financial stability. It can be temporary or progressive and typically refers to a decline from a previously stable state. The war led to the impoverishment of the entire nation. Decades of mismanagement resulted in the impoverishment of the farming community.

Word

Description / Examples

destitution

Use 'destitution' when describing a severe, extreme level of poverty. It often implies a lack of basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing. This term is dramatic and emphasizes a dire situation.

The earthquake left thousands of people in a state of destitution.
Living in destitution, they had no choice but to beg for food.

poverty

Use 'poverty' to describe the general state of having little or no money and few material possessions. It is a broad term that can apply to various situations and is commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

Many families live in poverty, struggling to meet their basic needs.
Efforts to reduce poverty have focused on education and job creation.

impoverishment

Use 'impoverishment' when talking about the process or state of becoming poor or losing financial stability. It can be temporary or progressive and typically refers to a decline from a previously stable state.

The war led to the impoverishment of the entire nation.
Decades of mismanagement resulted in the impoverishment of the farming community.

Examples of usage

Many families in the region live in destitution, unable to afford even a simple meal.
The homeless man's destitution was evident from his tattered clothes and empty pockets.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin 'destituere', which means 'to leave desolate' or 'to abandon'.
In old French, the word 'destitution' referred to a state of being left without support.

Social Issues

Destitution often leads to homelessness, highlighting the need for social safety nets and community support.
It reflects broader economic problems, including unemployment and lack of access to education.

Historical Context

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, many faced destitution due to massive unemployment and economic collapse.
In medieval Europe, famine and disease left many communities in destitution, prompting shifts in social structures.

Literature

In many novels, characters who face destitution often reveal the struggles of human resilience and the fight for survival.
Charles Dickens' works frequently address themes of poverty and destitution, showcasing the societal challenges of his time.

Psychology

Experiencing destitution can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression, affecting mental health significantly.
Research suggests that chronic poverty can alter brain function, making it harder for individuals to escape destitution.

Translations

Translations of the word "destitution" in other languages:

🇵🇹 miséria

🇮🇳 दरिद्रता

🇩🇪 Verelendung

🇮🇩 kemelaratan

🇺🇦 злидні

🇵🇱 nędza

🇯🇵 貧困

🇫🇷 misère

🇪🇸 miseria

🇹🇷 sefalet

🇰🇷 빈곤

🇸🇦 فقر

🇨🇿 bída

🇸🇰 bieda

🇨🇳 贫困

🇸🇮 revščina

🇮🇸 fátækt

🇰🇿 кедейлік

🇬🇪 სიღარიბე

🇦🇿 yoxsulluq

🇲🇽 miseria

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,953, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18950 fortify
18951 devotee
18952 cultivar
18953 destitution
18954 undressed
18955 stepfather
18956 alleviated
...