What is the meaning of destitute?

It is used for people with almost no money or shelter; very poor.

How is destitute different from poor?

It is more extreme than poor or needy; implies homelessness and hunger.

Is destitute a formal or informal word?

Yes, it is common in academic and news writing about poverty.

How do I use destitute in a sentence?

Use it to describe people or areas suffering severe lack of resources.

← Dictionary

destitute

/ˈdɛstɪtjuːt/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Without money, food, or shelter; extremely poor.

They lived in near destitute after losing their home.
He has a destitute lifestyle with no savings.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: destitute is stronger than poor or needy, suggesting homelessness and hunger, whereas poor is general and needy focuses on lack. It is harsher than indigent, which is more formal and legal.

In other languages

Spanish: Sin recursos, desamparado
Japanese: 途方に暮れた、絶望的
Korean: 산발적, 맥락 벗어난
Vietnamese: Đồng cỏi, không tiền cứu
Chinese: 身无分文，贫困潦倒

Common phrases

living in destitute conditionsthrow someone into destitute

Synonyms

impoverished penniless indigent needy beggarly

Related words

poverty homeless indigent needy beggar

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of destitute?: It is used for people with almost no money or shelter; very poor.
How is destitute different from poor?: It is more extreme than poor or needy; implies homelessness and hunger.
Is destitute a formal or informal word?: Yes, it is common in academic and news writing about poverty.
How do I use destitute in a sentence?: Use it to describe people or areas suffering severe lack of resources.