How to Memorize

destitute - poor

Analysis

A person who is ‘destitute’ is worse than the poor. Rather than simply not having much of something, they typically lack it altogether. Such is its extreme nature, people generally only become destitute after some kind of a disaster.

Example(s)

1. Frank’s business failures left him destitute. He was forced to sell everything he owned.

2. Her drug addiction eventually reduced her to a life of homelessness and destitution.

3. The earthquake totally destroyed the area and left many families destitute.