destitute
adjective C1
Plain meaning
extremely poor and lacking basic needs
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam writing, this is used to discuss extremely poor and lacking basic needs in a more precise way.
In context
naturalThe report described destitute families in a clear and practical way.
examThe findings show that destitute families can influence educational, social, or economic outcomes.
Common collocations
destitute familiesbecome destitutedestitute children
Watch out
Do not overuse it as a direct replacement for “good/bad”. Use it with natural nouns such as “destitute families”.