What word denotes a state of being poor or in need?

The term "indigence" refers specifically to a condition characterized by extreme poverty or a lack of resources, such as money, food, or shelter. It encompasses not just temporary financial difficulties but a more chronic state of need, often implying a long-lasting absence of basic necessities.

In contrast, while "insufficiency" and "inadequacy" can imply lack or not having enough of something, they do not specifically denote poverty or need in a social-economic context. "Impoverishment," although related to poverty, typically describes the process of becoming poor rather than the state of being poor itself. Therefore, "indigence" is the most precise term for describing a state of being poor or in dire need.