poverty level

noun

1. poverty line.

poverty level

1. A level of income above which it is possible to achieve an adequate standard of living and below which it is not. It fluctuates with the cost of living .

Notes

Because the poverty level is somewhat artificially established by the government, it can be manipulated for political ends. As with hidden unemployment , governments are often accused of establishing a poverty level that underestimates the number of poor people.

Other Words From

• pover·ty-level adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of poverty level¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Everyday, I talk to people at the poverty level and it seems like it’s getting worse.

From BBC

Ms Flint added that without a change in government policy, a drop in fuel poverty levels was unlikely in the near future.

From BBC

About one-third lived below 200% of the federal poverty level, which is less than $55,000 per year for a family of four, according to Sears.

From Los Angeles Times

It says this would put a big dent in child poverty levels but without support, it is difficult to see how the party can deliver the change.

From BBC

Teachers’ assistants earn an average of $22.50 an hour — a 30% increase over the previous school year but still barely enough to put them over the poverty level.

From Los Angeles Times