Indigent: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used in formal or legal contexts to describe someone who lacks the means to live a decent life. It carries a sense of urgency and seriousness.

• The court appointed an attorney for the indigent defendant.
• Indigent families are in dire need of financial support.

Poor is a general and commonly used term to describe someone who has little money or resources. It can be used in various contexts, ranging from casual conversation to formal writing.

• He grew up in a poor neighborhood.
• The government is implementing new policies to help the poor.

This word has a strong negative connotation and is used to describe someone who is extremely poor and lacks the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, and clothing.

• After losing his job, he found himself destitute and living on the streets.
• The charity organization aims to provide help to the destitute.

Impoverished is a more neutral term and can refer to individuals, families, communities, or even countries that are suffering from poverty. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• Many impoverished communities struggle to gain access to clean water.
• The NGO works to improve the lives of impoverished children.

Appropriate when discussing someone who is extremely poor and lacking basic necessities like food and shelter, often in a formal or official context like legal or social services.

• The indigent population in the city has been increasing due to the economic downturn
• The hospital offers free services to indigent patients

Used to refer to someone who requires financial or other forms of assistance. It is less formal and can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying a certain dependence. Can also be used emotionally, not just financially.

• The charity focuses on providing support for needy families
• He's feeling very needy lately, always asking for reassurance

Used to describe someone who has little or no money, often temporarily and with a connotation of being dignified despite the lack of funds. Suitable for literary or somewhat formal contexts.

• Despite his impecunious state, he refused to borrow money from his friends
• The impecunious artist struggled to buy supplies for his work

Refers to someone who has no money at all, often temporarily. It is somewhat informal and can imply a sudden loss of funds or being down on one's luck.

• After losing his job, he found himself penniless and without a home
• The penniless traveler wandered from town to town, hoping for a warm meal