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
On average, 6,000 cases are diagnosed annually in Kenya, where 40% of the population lives below the poverty line.
—
ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
The Parramore area, just west of I-4, is one of the region’s poorest neighborhoods, with a 2020 city report finding that roughly half of households are below the poverty line.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
Many Dolton residents did show up and, in the comment section of the court hearing held via Zoom, asked the judge to show mercy on the village, where the median household income is about $58,000 and 22% of residents are below the poverty line.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Today, these feasts come at a cost beyond the reach of many Algerians, whose purchasing power has declined in recent years despite Algeria's gas and oil riches, pushing more and more people below the poverty line.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the poverty line
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ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
The Parramore area, just west of I-4, is one of the region’s poorest neighborhoods, with a 2020 city report finding that roughly half of households are below the poverty line.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
Many Dolton residents did show up and, in the comment section of the court hearing held via Zoom, asked the judge to show mercy on the village, where the median household income is about $58,000 and 22% of residents are below the poverty line.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Today, these feasts come at a cost beyond the reach of many Algerians, whose purchasing power has declined in recent years despite Algeria's gas and oil riches, pushing more and more people below the poverty line.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 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 Mar. 2026.
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