indigence

[in-di-juhns]

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noun

seriously impoverished condition; poverty.

RELATED WORDS

destitution, penury

Nearby words

Origin of indigence

1325–75; Middle English < Latin indigentia need. See indigent, -ence

SYNONYMS FOR indigence

privation, need, want, penury.

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ANTONYMS FOR indigence

wealth.

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Can be confusedindigence indigents

Examples from the Web for indigence

But there are many more people balancing precariously on the verge of indigence.
A Dickensian Christmas For Greece’s New Poor|Barbie Latza Nadeau|December 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The decay of manufactures ſince the laſt century muſt have reduced many families to indigence.
A Residence in France During the Years 1792, 1793, 1794 and 1795, Complete|An English Lady
On the contrary, they are kept in a state of obscurity and contempt, and in a degree of indigence at times bordering on beggary.
The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. IV. (of 12)|Edmund Burke
The basest of men enriched themselves, and many of the most estimable sank into obscurity and indigence.
The Loyalists of Massachusetts|James H. Stark

At that period of indigence and simplicity, the municipal museums, though usually kept shut, were always opened to foreigners.
Penguin Island|Anatole France
Sylvia emphasised the sigh with which she admitted her indigence.
Man and Maid|E. (Edith) Nesbit

Word Origin and History for indigence

indigence

late 14c., from Old French indigence "indigence, need, privation" (13c.), from Latin indigentia "need, want; insatiable desire," from indigentem (nominative indigens), present participle of indigere "to need," from indu "in, within" + egere "be in need, want," from PIE *eg- "to lack" (cf. Old Norse ekla "want, lack," Old High German eccherode "thin, weak").