subsistence level
noun
: a level of income that provides only enough money for basic needs
living below (the) subsistence level
Examples of subsistence level in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Retirees, already living close to a subsistence level, could slip deeper into poverty if their pensions are not topped up to keep pace with inflation.
—
Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2024
In areas like western Guatemala, where coconut, corn and banana plantations stretch along the highway, many people scrape by at a barely subsistence level.
—Soudi Jiménez, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2023
In general, though, it’s meant to provide a subsistence level of income for people younger than retirement age who can’t work.
—Liz Weston, oregonlive, 5 Mar. 2023
Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2024
In areas like western Guatemala, where coconut, corn and banana plantations stretch along the highway, many people scrape by at a barely subsistence level.
—Soudi Jiménez, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2023
In general, though, it’s meant to provide a subsistence level of income for people younger than retirement age who can’t work.
—Liz Weston, oregonlive, 5 Mar. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subsistence level.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near subsistence level
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“Subsistence level.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsistence%20level. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
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