Indigent: meaning, definitions and examples

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indigent

 

[ ˈɪn.dɪ.dʒənt ]

Context #1

in need

A person who is indigent is very poor and has no money or means of support.

Synonyms

destitute, impoverished, poor

Examples of usage

  • The charity provides assistance to indigent families in the community.
  • He grew up in a neighborhood populated by indigent individuals.
Context #2

legal

In legal terms, an indigent is a person who is unable to afford the legal fees for a court case and therefore qualifies for free legal representation.

Synonyms

impecunious, needy, penniless

Examples of usage

  • The court appointed a lawyer to represent the indigent defendant.
  • She applied for indigent status to receive legal assistance.

Translations

Translations of the word "indigent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indigente

🇮🇳 गरीब

🇩🇪 bedürftig

🇮🇩 miskin

🇺🇦 бідний

🇵🇱 ubogi

🇯🇵 貧しい (mazushii)

🇫🇷 indigent

🇪🇸 indigente

🇹🇷 muhtaç

🇰🇷 가난한 (gananan)

🇸🇦 فقير

🇨🇿 chudý

🇸🇰 chudobný

🇨🇳 贫困的 (pínkùn de)

🇸🇮 ubožen

🇮🇸 fátækur

🇰🇿 кедей

🇬🇪 ღარიბი

🇦🇿 kasıb

🇲🇽 indigente

Word origin

The word 'indigent' originated in the late 15th century from the Latin word 'indigentem', meaning 'lacking, needy'. It has been used to describe people in extreme poverty or without adequate resources for centuries, highlighting the societal need to support those less fortunate.