indigence

in·di·gence

noun \ˈin-di-jən(t)s\

Definition of INDIGENCE

: a level of poverty in which real hardship and deprivation are suffered and comforts of life are wholly lacking

Examples of INDIGENCE

1. <there are various state and federal programs to help relieve indigence>

First Known Use of INDIGENCE

14th century

Related to INDIGENCE

Synonyms: beggary, destituteness, destitution, impecuniosity, impecuniousness, impoverishment, poverty, necessity, need, neediness, pauperism, penuriousness, penury, poorness, want

Antonyms: affluence, opulence, richness, wealth, wealthiness

Related Words: gutter, misery, woe, wretchedness; exigency; emergency, rainy day; austerity, deprivation, privation; bankruptcy, insolvency; belt-tightening, pinching, straitening

Near Antonyms: luxury, prosperity

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See Synonym Discussion at poverty