indigent
What does "indigent" mean?
Indigent describes someone who is extremely poor, lacking even the basic necessities of life such as food, clothing, or shelter. The mental image is of a person who has been stripped of all resources, often emphasizing a state of profound deprivation rather than just a temporary lack of money. This word is formal and primarily used in legal, sociological, or highly descriptive writing. Unlike "poor," which is common and neutral, "indigent" carries a clinical or objective weight. It is frequently collocated with terms like "indigent population," "indigent defense," or "care for the indigent."
"indigent" in conversation
Legal aid office
We provide pro bono services specifically for indigent clients.
We provide free legal help for those who cannot afford it.
Do we need to verify their financial status first?
Do we need to check if they are truly needy?
Used here in a professional, legal context to denote those who qualify for state-funded assistance.
Discussing city policy
The new budget cuts will devastate our indigent population.
The new budget cuts will hurt those who are severely impoverished.
We are reallocating funds to ensure basic shelters remain open.
We are moving money to keep the shelters running.
Used to refer to a demographic group in a formal policy discussion.
"indigent" in a sentence
The charity provides meals for indigent families in the area.
The charity provides meals for indigent families in the area.
The state is constitutionally required to provide counsel for indigent defendants.
The state is constitutionally required to provide counsel for indigent defendants.
Despite his indigent circumstances, he maintained a sense of quiet dignity that moved everyone he met.
Despite his indigent circumstances, he maintained a sense of quiet dignity that moved everyone he met.
