Indigent: meaning, definitions and examples

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indigent

[ˈɪn.dɪ.dʒənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in need

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

Synonyms

destitute, impoverished, poor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indigent	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	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.
destitute	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	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.

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 | Noun}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indigent	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
needy	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
impecunious	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
penniless	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

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'indigens,' meaning 'in need of' or 'lacking.'
Related words include 'indignity,' which conveys a sense of unworthiness often tied to poverty.

Social Issues

Many organizations worldwide focus on aiding indigent communities by providing food, shelter, and education.
Indigent populations often face barriers such as lack of access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and housing.

Cultural Representation

Literature often highlights the struggles of indigent individuals to promote awareness and empathy, such as in stories by Charles Dickens.
Films like 'The Pursuit of Happyness' showcase the challenges faced by those living in poverty, emphasizing resilience and hope.

Global Perspectives

In developing nations, indigent populations can make up a substantial part of society, often reliant on social welfare programs.
Urban areas frequently have visible indigent communities, which can lead to social stigma and calls for systemic change.

Legal Context

In the U.S., legal definitions of 'indigent' often relate to eligibility for public defense services, depending on income levels.
Many courts consider an individual indigent if their income is below a certain threshold, granting them access to resources.

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 Frequency Rank

At position #12,952, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12949 belligerent
12950 aching
12951 transcendent
12952 indigent
12953 momentous
12954 shading
12955 armament
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