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destitution

/ˌdɛstəˈtuʃən/
IPA guide

Other forms: destitutions

Destitution is an unfortunate state in which a person lacks something important — like money, food, companionship, or even hope.

Everyone is down on their luck sometimes. Most people will get seriously sick at some point, lose a job, or have a marriage fall apart. However, most people won't fall into destitution, which is a truly hopeless state. Homeless people are in a state of destitution. People starving or without medical care are in a state of destitution. If someone is in a state of destitution, he is experiencing utter despair.

Definitions of destitution
  1. noun
    a state without friends or money or prospects
    see moresee less
    type of:
    impoverishment, poorness, poverty
    the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
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