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indigence

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noun in·di·gence \ˈin-di-jən(t)s\

Definition of indigence

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

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Examples of indigence in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of indigence from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indigence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of indigence

14th century

indigence Synonyms

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

Synonym Discussion of indigence

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

Law Dictionary

indigence

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noun in·di·gence \ˈin-də-jəns\

Legal Definition of indigence

  1. :  impoverished hardship and deprivation

Learn More about indigence

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for indigence Spanish Central: Translation of indigence Nglish: Translation of indigence for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of indigence for Arabic speakers

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Examples: indigence in a Sentence
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