destitute

adjective

ˈde-stə-ˌtüt How to pronounce destitute (audio)
Definition of destitutenext
1
as in impoverished
lacking money or material possessions many families were left destitute by the horrible fire

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devoid
utterly lacking in something needed, wanted, or expected a lingering drought and a sky destitute of rain clouds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of destitute The now-tony West London locale was considered a destitute enclave for artists and bohemians at the time, and Hockney's flat epitomized this lifestyle. — Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026 In 2022, after the war ended, Tigray was destitute. — Claire Wilmot & Gisa Tunbridge, The Dial, 12 June 2026 What’s at stake for these retirees, then, is not becoming destitute, but rather not fully enjoying the fruits of their labor. — ABC News, 26 May 2026 As the truly destitute are not likely to receive such invitations, this petty thievery is simply an abuse of hospitality and an insult to those who have offered it. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for destitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destitute
  1. impoverished
  2. devoid
  3. poor
  4. broke
Adjective
  • The destination, made up of the wealthy Hightown and the impoverished Lowtown, is often linked to Wolverine, due to his exploits in the area.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026
  • More recently, a rolling cast of content creators has taken to making day trips to Blackpool’s roughest wards to capitalize on the environs of its impoverished communities.
    — George Francis Lee, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of impoverished
Adjective
  • In a show mostly devoid of explicit messages, the sentiment surprised me.
    — Max Norman, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
  • Players take on the role of a Ditto capable of mimicking its human trainer, and the Pokémon is thrown into a world devoid of humans.
    — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
Definition of devoid
Adjective
  • On the other lies a park in one of the Bronx’s poorest communities, built on the site of the former Yankee Stadium after the old home of the Yankees was torn down in 2009 and 2010.
    — Sam Blum, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Iran’s economy was in a dire state before the war too, with poor economic conditions a key driving factor behind the anti-regime demonstrations which kicked off in the Iranian capital city Tehran in 2025.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • The Democratic National Committee is both broke and broken, a New York Times bombshell last weekend detailed.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Aug. 2026
  • News reports warn that Social Security is running out of money, going broke.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of broke

Browse Nearby Words

destiny
destitute
destituteness
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Cite this Entry

“Destitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destitute. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on destitute

Nglish: Translation of destitute for Spanish Speakers

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