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.

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

That’s a relative term, and it’s obviously a separate concept from those living on the poverty line.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 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

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