destitute
word
Definition
Having no money or possessions; extremely poor or lacking basic needs.
Usage & Nuances
Very formal, often used in literature, reports, or official contexts. 'Destitute' is stronger than 'poor'—it means lacking even the basics (food, shelter). 'The destitute' can refer collectively to very poor people. Not used in casual conversation.
Spanish: desamparado - indigentePortuguese (BR): desamparado - indigentePortuguese (PT): desamparado - indigenteChinese (Simplified): 赤贫 - 一无所有Chinese (Traditional): 赤貧 - 一無所有Hindi: निराश्रित - बेहद गरीबArabic: مُعدَم - معدوم
Example Sentences
After the factory closed, entire neighborhoods were left destitute.
natural
You could see from his clothes that he was completely destitute.
natural
Without family or savings, she ended up completely destitute.
natural
The family was destitute after losing their home.
basic
Many destitute people need help during winter.
basic
He felt destitute and alone in the city.
basic