destitute
UK: ˈdɛstɪtjuːt | US: ˈdɛstɪtuːt
adj. lacking basic necessities of life; impoverished
adj. completely without; devoid of something
The word "destitute" originates from Latin destitutus, the past participle of destituere ("to abandon, forsake"). It combines de- (indicating reversal or removal) and statuere ("to set up, place, stand"). The root stit- (from stare, "to stand") implies a state of being left without support—literally "stood away from" resources or stability. Over time, it evolved to describe extreme poverty or deprivation.
After the war, many families were left destitute and homeless.
The sudden job loss rendered him financially destitute.
The region is destitute of natural resources, making development difficult.
She felt emotionally destitute after the betrayal.
Charities provide aid to destitute communities worldwide.