Final answer:
Destitution is a state of extreme poverty where individuals lack basic necessities. It is a condition of absolute poverty and has negative consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Destitution is a state of extreme poverty in which individuals or families lack the basic necessities for survival. It is considered a condition of absolute poverty, where people do not have enough to afford essentials such as food, clean water, safe housing, and healthcare. It is important to distinguish destitution from relative poverty, which refers to a state where individuals cannot meet the average standard of living in their society. Destitution has significant negative consequences, including increased crime rates and detrimental impacts on physical and mental health.