destitution
UK[ˌdestɪˈtjuːʃn]US[ˌdestɪˈtuːʃn]
n
The state of being extremely poor and lacking the means to provide for oneself.
n
A state of complete deprivation or absence of something essential.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
stitut
ion
de
completely
stitut
set up, place
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word destitution traces its lineage to the Latin verb destituere, meaning "to abandon, forsake, leave in the lurch." This verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix de- and statuere (to set up, stand, establish). The literal, ancient logic is of being "completely set down" or "utterly abandoned" from a state of security or provision. Over time, this concrete sense of abandonment evolved into the abstract, modern meaning of a state of complete deprivation. It specifically came to denote the condition of being stripped of all resources and means of support, emphasizing a profound and often desperate lack.
Analysis
Structure: de (completely) + stitut (set up, place) + ion (noun suffix)
de: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "completely, utterly, down from, away."
stitut: Latin origin, from the past participle stem of statuere (to set up, place, establish).
ion: Latin origin, a suffix forming nouns denoting action or condition.
Examples
The economic crisis plunged many families into utter destitution.
The charity works to relieve the destitution of the homeless population.
There is a moral destitution in a society that ignores the suffering of its weakest members.