The word "poverty" refers to the state of being extremely poor, lacking basic necessities or financial resources. Option B, "want," is the option nearest in meaning. "Want" can be used as a synonym for poverty, indicating a state of lacking material possessions or financial means.

Options A, C, and D do not accurately capture the meaning of living in poverty. Option A, "instability," generally refers to a lack of stability, option C, "difficulty," is more about challenges in general, and option D, "the slums," refers specifically to impoverished areas rather than the state of poverty itself.