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.

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

The act eliminated the subsidy cliff by capping premiums for families at 400% or more of the poverty line at 8.5% of applicable income.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Around half of the population of the oil-rich country lives below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Successful models can earn tens of thousands of dollars in a season, a life-changing amount in South Sudan where 92 percent live under the poverty line.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Now say you have a black guy—not Justyce, but someone else—whose single parent’s income falls beneath the poverty line.

From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone