destitution

des·ti·tu·tion

noun \ˌdes-tə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü-\

Definition of DESTITUTION

: the state of being destitute; especially : such extreme want as threatens life unless relieved

Examples of DESTITUTION

1. <widespread destitution in Third World countries>

First Known Use of DESTITUTION

15th century

Related to DESTITUTION

Synonyms: beggary, destituteness, poverty, impecuniosity, impecuniousness, impoverishment, indigence, necessity, need, neediness, pauperism, penuriousness, penury, poorness, want

Antonyms: affluence, opulence, richness, wealth, wealthiness

Related Words: gutter, misery, woe, wretchedness; exigency; emergency, rainy day; austerity, deprivation, privation; bankruptcy, insolvency; belt-tightening, pinching, straitening

Near Antonyms: luxury, prosperity

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See Synonym Discussion at poverty

Rhymes with DESTITUTION

absolution, allocution, attribution, comminution, consecution, constitution, contribution, convolution, dissolution, distribution, elocution, evolution, execution, exsolution, institution, involution, persecution, prosecution, prostitution, resolution, restitution, retribution, revolution, Rosicrucian, substitution