breadline

British  

/ ˈbrɛdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a queue of people waiting for free food given out by a government agency or a charity organization

2. impoverished; living at subsistence level

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Example Sentences

The rise and fall of the Soviet Union happened long before Gen Z’s time, so breadlines and prison camps seem like myth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Meanwhile, figures from End Child Poverty show that approximately one in three children in the county are living below the breadline.

From BBC

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

Badenoch said she opposed that decision, arguing it would mean pensioners "on the breadline" would miss out.

From BBC

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