beggary

Definitions

The state or condition of being a beggar; extreme poverty.

The practice of living by begging.

Examples

The economic collapse reduced the once-prosperous merchant to a state of utter beggary.

He spent his final years in beggary, wandering the streets and relying on the kindness of strangers.

Synonyms

poverty destitution penury indigence pauperism mendicancy want

Antonyms

wealth affluence opulence prosperity riches abundance plenty