poverty line

NOUN

poverty level

Synonyms

WEAK

bare existence breadline hand-to-mouth existence mere existence pauperism poverty trap subsistence level

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 United Nations says 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

But, with most of Syria's population living below the poverty line and the minimum wage at around $75, many have found themselves unable to pay the new tariffs.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

Many of the families live or work in or near the Vermont Vista neighborhood, where more than a quarter of residents live below the poverty line, according to 2023 census data.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

The second store, going up in a section of Southwest Atlanta where roughly a quarter of residents live below the poverty line, could be more of a challenge.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

Over half of the eight thousand residents lived below the poverty line.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore