Added 7 October 2026
indigence
/ˈɪndɪd͡ʒəns/ noun
In Latin: indigentia Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about indigence at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Extreme poverty or destitution.
- ↑ Douglas Harper (2001–2026), “indigence”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
Origin
From Middle English indigence, late 14th century, from Old French indigence (13th century), from Latin indigentia, from indigentem, form of indigēre (“to need”), from indu (“in, within”) + egēre (“be in need, want”). Only relation to antonym affluence is common Latinate suffix + -ence.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)