poverty line

noun

: a level of personal or family income below which one is classified as poor according to governmental standards

called also poverty level

Examples of poverty line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In states that expanded Medicaid, nearly all adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty line (about $22,000 for a one-person household in 2025) are eligible for Medicaid. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 10 June 2025 In 1965, during Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty, the government established the concept of a poverty line, to help design policies that promote human flourishing. Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 Over 50% of the population lives below what’s regarded as the international poverty line. Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025 More than half of Zambians live below the international poverty line, and Zimba said that those most in need of help will suffer the greatest from the aid cut. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for poverty line

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of poverty line was in 1901

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poverty line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poverty%20line. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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