'destitution' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'destitutio,' where 'de-' meant 'down from' and 'statuere' meant 'to set or place.'

'destitutio' transformed into the Old French word 'destitution,' and eventually became the modern English word 'destitution' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to be abandoned or forsaken,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'extreme poverty.'