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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

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

After Maxwell’s father died in 1991 under unusual circumstances, the family was left nearly destitute when it was discovered he had plundered his companies’ pension funds.

From Salon • Jul. 25, 2025

“You are very kind, I am sure; and I wish with all my heart it may prove so, for else they will be destitute enough. Things are settled so oddly.”

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen