destitution

noun

des·​ti·​tu·​tion ˌde-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce destitution (audio)
-ˈtyü-
Synonyms of destitutionnext
: the state of being destitute
especially : such extreme want as threatens life unless relieved

Synonyms of destitution

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for destitution

poverty, indigence, penury, want, destitution mean the state of one with insufficient resources.

poverty may cover a range from extreme want of necessities to an absence of material comforts.

the extreme poverty of the slum dwellers

indigence implies seriously straitened circumstances.

the indigence of her years as a graduate student

penury suggests a cramping or oppressive lack of money.

a catastrophic illness that condemned them to years of penury

want and destitution imply extreme poverty that threatens life itself through starvation or exposure.

lived in a perpetual state of want
the widespread destitution in countries beset by famine

Examples of destitution in a Sentence

widespread destitution in Third World countries
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The story exemplifies Bandyopadhyay’s method of locating the partition’s violence beyond the riots, in the economic destitution that followed and what that destitution exacted from women. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 Indeed, her habit for practicing unchecked and desperate performance in everyday life leads to destruction, further destitution, and even death. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 In the trailer, the young women are in despair over their sudden destitution. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 While the affluent are living longer, healthier lives, and retiring with a nest egg and their dignity, low-income workers are facing destitution. — Ann Larson, Time, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for destitution

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of destitution was in the 15th century

Rhymes for destitution

See All Rhymes for destitution

Browse Nearby Words

destituteness
destitution
destn
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Destitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destitution. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on destitution

Nglish: Translation of destitution for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All