PAUPERISM
indigence, need, penury, pauperism, pauperization
(noun) a state of extreme poverty or destitution; âtheir indigence appalled himâ; âa general state of need exists among the homelessâ
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
pauperism (countable and uncountable, plural pauperisms)
The state of being a pauper; poverty.
Source: Wiktionary
Pau"per*ism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. paupérisme.]
Definition: The state of being a pauper; the state of indigent persons
requiring support from the community. Whatly.
Syn.
– Poverty; indigence; penury; want; need; destitution. See Poverty.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition