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Definitions

poverty

[pov-er-tee] / ˈpɒv ər ti /


Usage

What are other ways to say poverty? Poverty denotes serious lack of the means for proper existence: living in a state of extreme poverty. Destitution, a somewhat more literary word, implies a state of having absolutely none of the necessities of life: widespread destitution in countries at war. Indigence denotes a severely impoverished condition marked by hardship and the lack of any of life’s comforts: reduced to a life of indigence.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The institute works with governments and private entities to fight poverty and improve health and education.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

Grandparent-headed households living below the poverty line total 17%, compared to 11% of older adults living without young relatives, according to the U.S.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

No one suggests Renton’s misbehavior is even partly attributable to poverty, abuse, neglect or any kind of systemic failure, nor is the judge who orders him to complete a rehab program a figure of fun.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

It was set up to relieve the effects of poverty and promote regeneration in the area.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Many Irish immigrants remained mired in poverty, relying on sporadic day labor to keep them afloat.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield




Vocabulary lists containing poverty


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