What does indigently mean?
“Indigently” is an adverb meaning in poverty or without adequate financial means. It is most often used to describe the way someone lives under difficult economic circumstances: a family might “live indigently” after losing its source of income, or a traveler might continue “indigently” by staying with friends and avoiding expensive accommodation. The word has a formal, literary tone and is less common in everyday speech than expressions such as “in poverty” or “without much money.” Its use suggests sustained hardship rather than merely choosing an inexpensive lifestyle. Derived from the adjective “indigent,” it is especially useful in formal writing, historical accounts, and descriptions of economic deprivation. The related noun “indigency” names the condition of being poor or lacking basic necessities.
adverbIn a manner characterized by poverty or lack of adequate means. It describes living or operating without sufficient financial resources.
- In a state or manner characterized by poverty, lack of money, or inadequate means of subsistence.
"After the business failed, the family lived indigently for several years."
"After the business failed, the family lived indigently for several years."
"He traveled indigently, relying on friends and inexpensive accommodation."
The word “indigently” preserves the Latin idea of “needy” in a surprisingly formal adverb: to live indigently is to live without adequate means.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indigently come from?
The word comes through French from Latin indigēns, meaning “needy” or “destitute,” a present participle related to indigēre, “to lack or be in need.” The Latin root combines in-, expressing negation or lack, with egēre, “to have need.” English “indigent” developed from this origin, and “indigently” was formed later as its adverb.
Related word forms
How indigently is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon, somewhat literary or formal word. In everyday English, “in poverty” or “without much money” is usually more natural. It can imply severe financial hardship, although it need not mean absolute destitution.
Easily confused with indigently
“Indigently” means in poverty or without sufficient means, whereas “indigenous” means native to a particular place or region.