indigent
UK: ˈɪndɪdʒənt | US: ˈɪndɪdʒənt
adj. lacking the necessities of life; impoverished
n. a person who is extremely poor
indigent = in<not> + dig<lack> + ent<adjective suffix>
- in (Latin prefix meaning "not")
- dig (from Latin egēre, meaning "to lack" or "need"; evolved into indigere "to be in need")
- ent (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, indicating a state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word indigent traces back to Latin indigentem (needy), from indigere ("to need"). The root egēre (to lack) merged with the negating prefix in-, creating a sense of "not having enough." Over time, it entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core meaning of poverty or severe need. The suffix -ent solidifies its role as an adjective describing a state of deprivation.
The charity provides meals for indigent families in the city.
Many indigent individuals rely on public shelters during winter.
Legal aid services are crucial for indigent defendants.
The hospital offers free treatment to indigent patients.
His research focused on policies to reduce indigent populations.