1. the state of being extremely poor and lacking the basic necessities of life
Usage: uncountable noun; formal or literary
2. the condition of being completely lacking or devoid of something
Usage: uncountable noun; formal

Examples

• The charity works to alleviate the destituteness of families living in the inner city.
• After losing his job and home, he fell into complete destituteness.
• The destituteness of the region made it difficult to attract new businesses.
• Her destituteness of hope made recovery seem impossible.
• The organization provides aid to those living in destituteness.
• Economic collapse led to widespread destituteness among the working class.