means test

noun

: an examination into the financial state of a person to determine eligibility for public assistance
means-tested adjective

Examples of means test in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One factor driving efforts to revise antitrust policy guidelines is that means tests to determine the impact of a merger on a marketplace have historically focused on price — the impact of a combination on wholesale and retail prices. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Apr. 2024 Bail reform legislation would require Michigan courts to adhere more closely to state guidelines that give preference to release on recognizance, and, most crucially, include a means test. Shania Russell, EW.com, 22 Oct. 2023 Paul has already stated that means tests on Medicare and Social Security should be on the table. Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2010 Two stringent legal tests in California, the ABC test and the manner and means test (also known as the Borello test), set an exceedingly high bar for someone to be categorized as a contractor working for a company based in the state, according to employment lawyers who spoke with The Post. Washington Post, 4 May 2022 See all Example Sentences for means test 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'means test.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of means test was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near means test

Cite this Entry

“Means test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/means%20test. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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