Synonym Chooser

How is the word destitution distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of destitution are indigence, penury, poverty, and want. While all these words mean "the state of one with insufficient resources," 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

When might indigence be a better fit than destitution?

While the synonyms indigence and destitution are close in meaning, indigence implies seriously straitened circumstances.

the indigence of her years as a graduate student

When could penury be used to replace destitution?

The meanings of penury and destitution largely overlap; however, penury suggests a cramping or oppressive lack of money.

a catastrophic illness that condemned them to years of penury

When can poverty be used instead of destitution?

The synonyms poverty and destitution are sometimes interchangeable, but poverty may cover a range from extreme want of necessities to an absence of material comforts.

the extreme poverty of the slum dwellers

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of destitution Otherwise, Sacramento might be the one team on this list that isn’t too upset about middle-class life, not after the two decades of destitution preceding its 2023 ascent to the playoffs. John Hollinger, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 Beth has only one season to land a husband who will ensure that her family can avoid certain destitution. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024 In many instances, the monthly benefits provide a financial foundation that keeps individuals out of destitution. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025 Can this power be guided with care, augmenting the light alongside economic destitution? John Werner, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for destitution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destitution
Noun
  • And that's particularly true for transgender folks, who already tend to face higher rates of discrimination, violence and poverty.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • But as repayments mount, the burden will strain developing economies and divert resources from priorities such as health care, education and poverty reduction, the Lowy Institute wrote.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • In a season full of misery and a historic number of losses, there was plenty of reason to celebrate Colorado’s first walk-off win.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 12 June 2025
  • Greta’s missed opportunity to understand the deep roots of this misery is another lesson lost to the world.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Destitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destitution. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on destitution

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