the poverty line
noun
: the level of income that makes it possible for a person to pay for basic food, clothing, and shelter
families living below/at the poverty line
Examples of the poverty line in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Generally, a household's gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the poverty line to be eligible.
—
Mike Stunson, USA Today, 8 May 2026
The district also has the highest poverty rate in the city, with 42% of people living below the poverty line, according to the 2020 Census.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Impose a fine on a family already living under the poverty line?
—Louis Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Benefit cuts of this magnitude could increase the number of beneficiaries living in poverty by more than 50%, with more than 16 million Americans over age 65 potentially falling below the poverty line.
—Martha Shedden, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the poverty line
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Mike Stunson, USA Today, 8 May 2026
The district also has the highest poverty rate in the city, with 42% of people living below the poverty line, according to the 2020 Census.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Impose a fine on a family already living under the poverty line?
—Louis Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Benefit cuts of this magnitude could increase the number of beneficiaries living in poverty by more than 50%, with more than 16 million Americans over age 65 potentially falling below the poverty line.
—Martha Shedden, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the poverty line
Cite this Entry
“The poverty line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20poverty%20line. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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