(n) a state of extreme poverty or destitution, Syn. pauperism, pauperization, penury, need, Example:their indigence appalled him; a general state of need exists among the homeless
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. [ L. indigentia: cf. F. indigence. See Indigent. ] The condition of being indigent; lack of estate, or means of comfortable subsistence; penury; poverty; as, helpless indigence. Cowper.