Destitute
/ˈdɛstəˌtjuːt/
Meaning & Definition
adjective
Lacking something that is needed or wanted.
She felt destitute of friendship after moving to the new city.
Without the basic necessities of life; extremely poor.
The charity was established to help destitute families in the area.
Etymology
From Latin 'destitutus', past participle of 'destituere', meaning 'to abandon'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
destitute of
Lacking or devoid of something.
destitute conditions
Living in extreme poverty and hardship.
Related Words
poverty
The state of being extremely poor.
impoverished
Made poor, especially through loss.
indigent
Lacking the necessities of life.
Slang Meanings
Broke
I'm totally broke until payday.
Flat broke
I can't go out tonight, I'm flat broke.