Meaning & Definition of word "Poverty"

Poverty

/ˈpävərtē/

1. The state of being extremely poor.
- Example: Many families live in poverty, struggling to afford basic necessities.
2. The condition of having inadequate financial resources or prosperity.
- Example: Efforts to reduce poverty have become a major focus for governments around the world.
3. A lack of material possessions or wealth.
- Example: She dedicated her life to helping those trapped in the cycle of poverty.
4. The state of being inferior in quality or insufficient in amount.
- Example: The poverty of resources in that region limits economic development.

Middle English, from Old French 'povreté', from Latin 'paupertas', from 'pauper' meaning poor.

absolute poverty:

A condition in which an individual or family is unable to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

poverty line:

The threshold below which a person is considered to be living in poverty.

cycle of poverty:

A situation where poverty persists in a family or community across generations.

poor:

Lacking sufficient money to live at a standard considered comfortable or normal in a society.

impoverished:

Made poor; in a state of poverty.

indigent:

Suffering from extreme poverty.

Meaning: Broke

Example Sentence: After paying all my bills, I'm totally broke this month.

Meaning: Living hand to mouth

Example Sentence: She's living hand to mouth, just getting by each week.

Meaning: On the breadline

Example Sentence: With my current income, I might be on the breadline soon.