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 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

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

Congo-Brazzaville, a former French colony, is rich in oil but nearly half of its six million people live below the poverty line.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 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