on the breadline

ADJECTIVE

destitute

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bankrupt exhausted impoverished indigent insolvent needy penniless poor poverty-stricken strapped

WEAK

beggared bereft busted dead broke deficient depleted deprived of devoid of dirt poor divested drained empty flat flat broke impecunious in need of lacking moneyless necessitous on the rocks penurious pinched played-out stony stripped totaled wiped-out without

Antonyms

STRONGEST

affluent rich solvent wealthy

WEAK

lucky prosperous secure

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.

But, unfortunately, people are living on the breadline and it is very difficult if you have three children and you are on a minimal income.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2025

She told the BBC she believed the pension credit threshold was too low and to qualify for it "you truly have to be on the breadline".

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2024

When the tour’s over, I’m back on the breadline, honey.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2024

The true number of people on the breadline may be much higher.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 18, 2023

The rising rates are not just affecting people on the breadline or on social welfare, he added.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2023

on the breadline

Example Sentences

Related Words