Main Entry: des·ti·tute

Pronunciation: \ˈdes-tə-ˌtüt, -ˌt(y)üt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin destitutus, past participle of destituere to abandon, deprive, from de- + statuere to set up — more at statute

Date: 14th century

1 : lacking something needed or desirable <a lake destitute of fish>
2 : lacking possessions and resources; especially : suffering extreme poverty <a destitute old man>

— des·ti·tute·ness noun