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Showing results for destitute. Search instead for destitu.
Definitions

destitute

[des-ti-toot, -tyoot] / ˈdɛs tɪˌtut, -ˌtyut /
ADJECTIVE
down and out; wanting
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bankrupt exhausted impoverished indigent insolvent needy penniless poor poverty-stricken strapped
WEAK
beggared bereft busted dead broke deficient depleted deprived of devoid of dirt poor divested drained empty flat flat broke impecunious in need of lacking moneyless necessitous on the breadline on the rocks penurious pinched played-out stony stripped totaled wiped-out without
Antonyms
STRONGEST
affluent rich solvent wealthy
WEAK
lucky prosperous secure

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He is not destitute: He owns his home and has relationships with his siblings and with some nieces and nephews.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

The Dominican nuns who run the kitchen prepare food for about 80 elderly or destitute people -- growing numbers of Cubans are forced to rummage through garbage bins for food -- each day.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Another was sent to live with her destitute biological family after acting out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

He ended up on the streets, in homes for the destitute, or working on tea estates in Assam.

From BBC • Sep. 4, 2025

How in his near destitute state he was able to obtain the needed money is not known.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady