destitution Definition
des·ti·tu·tion (des′tə to̵̅o̅′s̸hən, -tyo̵̅o̅′-)
noun
the state of being destitute; esp., abject poverty
Etymology: ME destitucioun < L destitutio
destitution Synonyms
destitution Usage Examples
Converse of object
- face: Recent debate about the provision of benefits to asylum seekers has highlighted the destitution faced by many.
- cause: But racism in and of itself does not automatically cause destitution.
- enforce: Our immigration bureaucracies enforce destitution, separate families and waste talent.
- use: But I do believe that using destitution as a tool of policy is a stick too far.
- alleviate: Local authorities have opened 578 regional soup kitchens to alleviate family destitution resulting from the new regulations.
- relieve: The Poor Law is restrictive in that by deterrent devices it confines help to relieving destitution.
Preposition: as
Adjective modifier
- utter: He died on 7 March 1935, in utter destitution, alone, without even a priest to assist him in his last moments.
- spiritual: Their spiritual destitution stirred the spirit of Baron Van Imhoff, by whose exertions two additional congregations were formed in 1743.
- extreme: On the 20th extreme destitution obliged the British to fall back on Badajoz.
- complete: On January 8th, the government is set to throw thousands of asylum seekers into complete destitution.
- such: The question is how to eliminate such dreadful destitution.
- economic: But neither did he ever hold out economic destitution as something either to be desired or to be glad about.
Modifies a noun
project: Those who are fortunate receive support of £ 5 a week and a basic food parcel from British Red Cross destitution projects.
Noun used with modifier
asylum: Donate Help us put an end to asylum destitution, by making a donation toward the campaign using our secure on-line donation facility.
Preposition: among
seeker: Refugee Action is preparing to launch a major piece of national research into destitution among asylum seekers.
Preposition: amongst
seeker: Loneliness and destitution among asylum seekers is a big concern for many people in the UK, especially churches.
Preposition: of
seeker: Asylum destitution: What should done to tackle the destitution of asylum seekers?
Preposition: for
seeker: What is your response to concerns that this will lead to widespread homelessness and severe destitution for many asylum seekers?
Browse dictionary entries near destitution
- ‹ destitute
- ‹ destiny
- ‹ destined
- ‹ destine
- ‹ destination
- ‹ desterilize
- ‹ destain
- ‹ destabilize
- ‹ dessiatine
- ‹ dessertspoon

