destitute Definition
- 1without the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, and clothing
- 2extremely poor and lacking the means to provide for oneself
Using destitute: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "destitute" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The earthquake left many people destitute and homeless.
Example
After losing his job, he became destitute and had to rely on charity.
Example
She was born into a destitute family and struggled to make ends meet.
destitute Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for destitute
- poor
- needy
- impoverished
Antonyms for destitute
- affluent
- wealthy
- prosperous
Phrases with destitute
be reduced to destitution
to become extremely poor and unable to provide for oneself
Example
After the war, many families were reduced to destitution.
destitute of
completely lacking in something
Example
The desert is destitute of vegetation.
leave someone destitute
to leave someone without any means of support
Example
His father's death left him destitute and alone.
Origins of destitute
from Latin 'destitutus', meaning 'abandoned'
Summary: destitute in Brief
The term 'destitute' [ˈdɛstɪtjuːt] describes a state of extreme poverty and lack of basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing. It can also refer to a person who lacks the means to provide for themselves. Examples include 'The earthquake left many people destitute and homeless.' and 'After losing his job, he became destitute and had to rely on charity.' Phrases include 'be reduced to destitution,' 'destitute of,' and 'leave someone destitute.'
