destitution

[ des-ti-too-shuhn, -tyoo- ]

noun

1. lack of the means of subsistence; utter poverty.

   Antonyms: wealth, affluence

2. deprivation, lack, or absence.

destitution

/ ˌdɛstɪˈtjuːʃən /

noun

1. the state of being destitute; utter poverty
2. rare.
   lack or deficiency

Other Words From

• predes·ti·tution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of destitution¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin dēstitūtiōn- (stem of dēstitūtiō ) an abandoning, equivalent to dēstitūt ( us ) ( destitute ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

No provisions for the poor were to be provided, for destitution was demanded to drive inferior people to productivity.

From Salon

"We all know his story and his message. These acts profoundly change the way we regard this man, who was known above all for his struggle against poverty, destitution and exclusion."

From BBC

Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon said asking people to find a job and housing within 28 days was "unrealistic" and "means destitution and homelessness is too often inevitable".

From BBC

"The Conservative government crashed the economy and unleashed a cost of living crisis, pushing families across the country into poverty and a million children into destitution", said shadow employment and social security minister Alison McGovern.

From BBC

Councillor Shaun Davies, chair of the Local Government Association, says closing the fund risks more households falling into financial crisis, destitution, and homelessness.

From BBC

When To Use

What are other ways to say destitution?

Destitution is utter poverty or the lack of the means of subsistence. How does this noun compare to synonyms poverty and indigence? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.