edge of destitution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edge of destitution" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where someone is very close to extreme poverty or financial ruin. For example, "After losing his job, he found himself on the edge of destitution." Alternative expressions include "brink of poverty" and "verge of ruin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The modern-looking houses have electricity and, in many cases, big satellite dishes on their roofs.I had feared that I might find Nòi's family living on the edge of destitution; to my relief, they seem to be doing rather well.

The Economist

The little girl who had earned as much as $1,500 a week on the vaudeville stage — when the average American worker earned roughly that much annually — spent her teenage years on the edge of destitution.

The New York Times

Her sleazy yuppie husband has not only run off on a coke-fueled adventure with another woman, but has also mortgaged Maria's home and drained her savings, leaving her and their 5-year-old son on the edge of destitution.

The New York Times

Even some of the best workers, like Felicia Hart, who had a long history of office work before she took a position with the Grand Central Partnership as a trainee, were living at the edge of destitution because of problems like domestic violence, illness or addiction.

The New York Times

I know it's corny, but we have thousands of people here flocking to food banks and on the edge of destitution, and others so picky, wealthy and jaded that if you gave them a plain chop or a baked potato they'd faint with ennui.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The one with sex offenders living in an area of south LA, on the edge of destitution – the guy who's committed two rapes and describes being beaten up by his dad as a child and how he really wants to kill himself.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In various stories, Howard's characters teeter on the verge of destitution.

The Guardian - Books

That scale of loss, the children's charity Barnardo's said, would tip youngsters on the edge of poverty into destitution.

The Guardian

He describes life on the edge of the abyss of destitution, a place he knew all too well, with a tender naturalism.

The Guardian - Books

She had an abortion, married, had a baby who died and a daughter, Maryvonne (who spent most of her childhood being cared for not only by someone else but in a different country from her mother), married for a second and then a third time, and was throughout these misadventures always at the brink of destitution, the very outer edge.

The Guardian - Books

Wars are usually not waged because of destitution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "edge of destitution" to depict situations where individuals or families are imminently threatened by extreme poverty, emphasizing the precariousness of their financial state.

Common error

Avoid using "edge of destitution" to describe temporary financial setbacks. Reserve this phrase for situations where the risk of complete and utter poverty is imminent and severe, as it conveys a sense of desperation and near-total loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edge of destitution" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a preposition (e.g., "on the edge of destitution"). It describes a state or condition. Ludwig AI suggests it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "edge of destitution" is a noun phrase effectively used to describe a state of near-extreme poverty, typically as an object of a preposition. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage should be reserved for situations of imminent and severe financial hardship. It's most commonly found in neutral contexts like news and media and formal documents. Consider alternative phrases like "verge of ruin" or "brink of starvation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Using it correctly ensures your writing accurately reflects the gravity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verge of ruin

This alternative suggests impending collapse or failure, focusing on the potential for complete destruction rather than just poverty.

brink of starvation

This phrase emphasizes the lack of food and the immediate threat to survival, which is a more specific aspect of destitution.

precarious financial situation

This alternative highlights the instability and risk associated with the financial condition, focusing on the uncertainty of the future.

state of extreme poverty

This alternative directly states the condition of being extremely poor, providing a more straightforward and less figurative description.

facing financial ruin

This option emphasizes the action of confronting or anticipating financial downfall, giving a sense of immediacy and threat.

on the breadline

This is an idiomatic expression referring to a very low income, barely sufficient to live on.

in dire financial straits

This phrase uses the word "dire" to describe the severity and urgency of the financial situation.

living hand to mouth

This alternative describes a lifestyle where one's income is only sufficient to cover immediate expenses, without any savings or security.

struggling with insolvency

This phrase focuses on the inability to pay debts, emphasizing the legal and business aspects of financial hardship.

experiencing acute deprivation

This alternative highlights the lack of basic necessities, focusing on the experience of being deprived.

FAQs

How can I use "edge of destitution" in a sentence?

You can use "edge of destitution" to describe a situation where someone is very close to extreme poverty or financial ruin. For example: "After the factory closed, many families in the town found themselves on the "edge of destitution"."

What's a less dramatic way to say "edge of destitution"?

If you want to express a similar idea with less intensity, consider alternatives like "facing financial difficulties", "in a precarious financial situation", or "struggling to make ends meet".

What is the difference between "edge of poverty" and "edge of destitution"?

"Edge of poverty" describes a situation where someone is close to falling below the poverty line, while ""edge of destitution"" implies a more extreme and immediate threat of complete financial ruin, including loss of basic necessities.

What are some common causes that push people to the "edge of destitution"?

Events such as job loss, illness, natural disasters, and economic downturns can push individuals and families to the "edge of destitution", particularly for those already in vulnerable situations.