Definitions

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 share of Peruvians living below the poverty line fell to 25.7% in 2025 from 58.7% in 2004.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

County, is framed as a major investment in equity, serving communities where a majority of residents are Latino and many live below the poverty line.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

The World Bank estimates that almost 40% of Angolans could be living below the international poverty line of $3 per day.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 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