indigence

USAGE SUMMARY

'indigence' is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
Generally, 'indigence' is used to refer to a state of poverty; it is an unimaginably poor state of financial circumstances. Example Sentence: The woman was living in abject indigence, and desperately needed money to pay for food.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Poverty and indigence statistics, which are calculated using the affordability of a basket of basic goods, are due to be announced in April.

The Economist

But not all of them savour the alternative ending for their cold war: rapprochement and reunification.North Korea's indigence is almost as scary as its belligerence.

The Economist

But if it calculated poverty and indigence lines using its new inflation data, reported poverty would spike and the government's image as a champion of the poor would take a battering.

The Economist

We have lowered poverty and indigence considerably and increased employment.

The Economist

The poverty and indigence statistics, for example, are linked to official estimates of inflation.

The Economist

According to one scholar, French allowed Beckett to explore "ignorance, impotence and indigence", freed from the weight of literary allusions and cleverness which characterised his 1930s English writings.But Beckett translated nearly all his work from French into English himself (and also from English into French).

The Economist

They provide 10 euros a month each to about 1,000 of the neediest, like Ms Lesnichenko, "just enough to get them out of indigence".

The Economist

One would think that liberals would be in favour of this; it would take away the most common method for dodging child support, which is claiming indigence.

The Economist

Until January INDEC announced the value of the basic-goods baskets it uses to calculate poverty and indigence every month.

The Economist

In the West, the welfare state rescued the elderly from indigence.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Giving people just enough to stay out of indigence what he calls "poverty plus a pound"—inspires sloth and dependency, he believes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indigence" when you want to emphasize a state of extreme poverty and the lack of basic necessities. It adds a formal and often somber tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "indigence" when simply referring to a low income or a temporary financial setback. "Indigence" specifically implies a severe and prolonged state of poverty, so use more general terms like "poverty" or "financial difficulty" if the situation is less extreme.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indigence" is that of a noun, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a state or condition. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in describing socioeconomic circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indigence" denotes a state of extreme poverty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed, particularly within news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. It serves to underscore severe deprivation, prompting attention to socioeconomic disparities. For alternatives, consider "extreme poverty" or "destitution", ensuring your choice aligns with the intended nuance. Remember, "indigence" carries a weightier implication than mere financial difficulty. Use it to evoke empathy and seriousness when discussing the plight of those in dire need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme poverty

Emphasizes the severity of the poverty.

abject poverty

Stresses the miserable and degraded condition of poverty.

destitution

Focuses on the state of being without basic necessities.

penury

Highlights a state of extreme impoverishment.

pauperism

Refers to the state of being a pauper, dependent on public charity.

lack of resources

A more general term indicating a deficiency in available means.

financial hardship

Focuses on the difficulties caused by a lack of money.

extreme want

Highlights the severe lack of essential goods and services.

impoverishment

Highlights the process of becoming poor.

state of need

Emphasizes the requirement for essential support.

FAQs

How can I use "indigence" in a sentence?

You can use "indigence" to describe a state of extreme poverty, as in "The family lived in a state of abject indigence." It emphasizes a severe lack of basic necessities.

What are some alternatives to saying "indigence"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "extreme poverty", "destitution", or "penury". Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the severity and nature of the poverty.

Is it correct to use "indigence" to describe a temporary financial problem?

No, "indigence" refers to a prolonged and severe state of poverty. For temporary financial issues, terms like "financial hardship" or "economic difficulty" are more appropriate.

What is the difference between "poverty" and "indigence"?

"Poverty" is a general term for lacking sufficient money or material possessions. "Indigence" is a more specific term implying a state of extreme poverty, often involving a lack of shelter, food, and other basic necessities.