adjective / noun
indigent
IN-dih-junt/ˈɪndɪdʒənt/
Lacking the resources needed for basic living.
The indigent woman checks an almost empty tin beside her bare cupboard.
Etymology
Indigere means “to be in need,” and its participle described someone needing or lacking. Indigent applies that condition to poverty severe enough to leave basic needs unmet.
In context
if you're the poorest if you're Indigent if you are a completely penniless inmate your life is gonna suck
More examples
- The shelter provides meals and beds for the indigent.
- Indigent families may qualify for help with rent.
- The court appoints a lawyer for an indigent defendant.
Forms
indigent · indigents
indigence noun — Severe poverty and lack of basic necessities.
Similar words
- destitute
- Emphasizes an almost complete lack of money or possessions.
- impoverished
- Describes severe poverty, often following a loss of resources.
- poor
- Broader term for having little money or few resources.