indigency

[/ɪnˈdɪdʒənsi/]
nounpl: indigencies
indigencia
1. the state of being indigent; extreme poverty or destitution
The indigency rate in the city has increased dramatically over the past decade.
A taxa de indigencia na cidade aumentou dramaticamente na última década.
2. the condition of being poor and lacking the necessities of life
Many families are living in indigency despite government assistance programs.
Muitas famílias vivem em indigencia apesar dos programas de assistência governamental.
In Brazil, 'indigencia' is a formally recognized socioeconomic classification used by government agencies and social researchers to identify the poorest segments of the population. It is distinct from general 'pobreza' (poverty) and carries official weight in social welfare programs and census data.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
povertydestitutionpenuryimpoverishmentneediness
Antonyms / Antônimos
wealthaffluenceprosperityopulencerichness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
indigencia
standard term used in social policy and official documents
Rio de Janeiro
miséria
more colloquial alternative emphasizing extreme poverty
São Paulo
indigencia
formal usage in government and NGO contexts
Portugal
indigencia
less commonly used; 'pobreza' preferred in most contexts

Related Words

indigentindigenceimpoverishdestitutepoverty

Related Idioms & Phrases

live in indigency
struggle with indigency
escape indigency
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