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.

“We have a socioeconomic problem in Rio de Janeiro—we have very wealthy people, and we have very destitute people,” Moscatelli says.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

The paper alleges that Minetti described the child she adopted as being abandoned at birth, although court papers show both parents are still alive, but destitute.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Are there habits from those early days as a destitute young woman that you haven’t fully shed?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

My father, 75, is essentially destitute and in failing health.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

His mother and grandmother were destitute, and my father offered to take him aboard the Portia Sue as an oyster culler.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson

Vocabulary lists containing destitute

A Christmas Carol

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Hamilton

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!