indigence

[ in-di-juhns ]

noun

1. seriously impoverished condition; poverty.

   Synonyms: penury, want, need, privation

   Antonyms: wealth

Word History and Origins

Origin of indigence¹

1325–75; Middle English < Latin indigentia need. See indigent, -ence

Example Sentences

Bobby, perhaps because of the indigence of his childhood, hated the idea of people making money off his name.

From Literature

Black and Hispanic Americans escaped indigence in record numbers.

From Washington Post

The challenges of Maloney’s background — familial trauma, poor medical care, occasional indigence — form part of the back story, but they are ultimately beside the point of this book.

From New York Times

Reflecting on his upbringing, he recalled that he began to understand the realities of both injustice and indigence when his bicycle was stolen and his parents told him they could not afford to replace it.

From Washington Post

It is a fine thing, reader, to be lifted in a moment from indigence to wealth—a very fine thing; but not a matter one can comprehend, or consequently enjoy, all at once.

From Literature

When To Use

What are other ways to say indigence?

Indigence refers to a seriously impoverished condition. How is it different from the synonyms poverty and destitution? Find out on Thesaurus.com.