What term describes someone who lacks the necessities of life?

The term that best describes someone who lacks the necessities of life is "indigent." This word specifically refers to individuals who experience extreme poverty and cannot meet essential needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. In the context of sociocultural discussions, the term highlights not just financial poverty but also the associated lack of resources necessary for a decent standard of living.

In contrast, "insolvent," "solvent," and "bankrupt" pertain mainly to financial conditions. Insolvent refers to the state of being unable to pay debts when they are due, while solvent indicates having sufficient assets to meet financial obligations. Bankrupt is a legal status for individuals or entities that cannot repay their outstanding debts and has specific legal implications. While these terms relate to financial situations, they do not capture the broader implications of lacking basic life necessities, which is why "indigent" is the accurate choice in this context.