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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.

Or maybe you worry that if the attorney exploits your relative and leaves them destitute, the rightful heirs will inherit little.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 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

Put it all together, and the modern Dodgers have found a way to make the Evil Empire Yankees look downright destitute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

"You go to an area like the Richtersveld… you see how destitute the people are," Mr Fredericks says.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025

Even the destitute could now boast of owning something.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane