Indigent means extremely poor, lacking money even for basic necessities like food, shelter, or clothing. An indigent person doesn't just have a tight budget: they truly cannot afford the essentials of daily life.

You'll often see this word in legal or official contexts. Courts may provide indigent defendants with free lawyers so everyone can have a fair trial, whether they can pay for an attorney or not. Hospitals may offer indigent care programs for patients who cannot afford treatment. Charities and social services exist specifically to help indigent families get back on their feet.

The word carries a formal, dignified tone compared to casual terms like “broke” or “poor.” When a judge asks if someone is indigent, or when a form mentions indigent services, it's a respectful way of acknowledging serious financial hardship.

While someone might joke about being “broke” after spending their allowance, truly indigent people face genuine crises, like choosing between medicine and meals or risking homelessness. Understanding this word helps us recognize the difference between temporary money troubles and profound need.