Which word signifies a state of extreme poverty?

The word that signifies a state of extreme poverty is "privation." This term captures the essence of lacking the basic necessities of life, which encompasses both financial hardship and the deprivation of fundamental resources such as food, shelter, and healthcare. In a broader sense, privation can imply a condition where essential comforts and resources are missing, leading to suffering or distress due to insufficient means.

In contrast, the other choices exhibit very different meanings. "Pulchritude" refers to physical beauty or attractiveness, disconnected from any concepts of poverty. "Imprimatur" denotes official approval or endorsement, typically in publishing or authority contexts, and does not relate to financial conditions. "Aggrandize" means to enhance or increase the importance or wealth of something, which is the opposite of indicating a state of poverty. Thus, "privation" is clearly the most relevant term for describing extreme poverty.