destitute

adjective

des·​ti·​tute ˈde-stə-ˌtüt 

-ˌt(y)üt

1

: lacking something needed or desirable

a lake destitute of fish

2

: lacking possessions and resources

especially : suffering extreme poverty

a destitute old man

destituteness noun

Did you know?

You may be surprised to learn that "destitute" is related to words like "statue," "statute," and even "statistics." The Latin word status, meaning "position" or "state," is the source of these and other English words. Some terms of this family are directly related to "status," while others come to English through "statuere," a Latin derivative of "status" that means "to set up." "Destitute" came from "destituere" ("to abandon" or "to deprive"), a joining of "statuere" and the prefix de- ("from, down, away"). "Statuere" also gave us "constitute," "institute," and "restitution," among other similar-sounding words.

Synonyms of destitute

• impoverished
• poor
• broke

Examples of destitute in a Sentence

His business failures left him destitute.

many families were left destitute by the horrible fire

Recent Examples on the Web

The game, set to be released in January 2027, is set in early 20th century Japan, following a foreigner who claws his way from destitute stranger to feared yakuza to entertainment tycoon. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026

The film, a true story, follows Lilly, a destitute Alabama tire factory worker who sues her employer for paying her half the wages her male counterparts received for more than 12 years. — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026

The Hersheys chose this mission at a time when caring for orphans and children in destitute families in institutional settings was still the norm. — Thomas Adam, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

The workers on the platform were Asian, black, Houma Indian, a few destitute Cadiens. — Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin destitutus, past participle of destituere to abandon, deprive, from de- + statuere to set up — more at statute

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing destitute

• the destitute

Rhymes for destitute

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute
• kiwifruit

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Kids Definition

destitute

adjective

des·​ti·​tute ˈdes-tə-ˌt(y)üt 

1

: lacking something needed or desirable

destitute of the necessities of life

2

: extremely poor : suffering great want

destitution

ˌdes-tə-ˈt(y)ü-shən

noun