destitution

noun
UK: /ˌdestɪˈtjuːʃən/
US: /ˌdestɪˈtuːʃən/

  1. The state of being extremely poor and lacking the basic necessities of life.

    1. They faced destitution after losing their jobs.
    2. The charity aims to alleviate destitution among the city's homeless population by providing food and shelter.

  2. Complete poverty; utter lack of resources.

    1. War leaves many families in complete destitution.
    2. Economic downturn often leads to destitution for vulnerable populations who lose their savings and homes.

Synonyms

poverty penury indigence want need privation

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "destitution" in English means: The state of being extremely poor and lacking the basic necessities of life., Complete poverty; utter lack of resources..

The phonetic transcription of "destitution" is /ˌdestɪˈtjuːʃən/ in British English and /ˌdestɪˈtuːʃən/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "destitution": poverty, penury, indigence, want, need, privation.

Example usage of "destitution": "They faced destitution after losing their jobs.". More examples on the page.