Definition

Noun 1. People without possessions or wealth (considered as a group): This term refers to a collective group of individuals who lack material resources, financial means, or sufficient income to meet basic needs. It describes a socioeconomic condition.

Usage

The term "poor people" is used as a plural noun to refer to the collective group. It is typically used in general, sociological, or economic discussions. * It is often preceded by articles like "the" ("the poor people") or demonstratives ("these poor people"). * It can be modified by adjectives ("the desperately poor people").

Examples

• General Statement:
• With Modifier:
• In Context:

Advanced Usage / Notes

• The term "the poor" is a very common and equivalent nominalized adjective used to mean the same group (e.g., "policies to help the poor"). "Poor people" is slightly more explicit.
• The term is a broad categorization. More specific terms like "the impoverished," "low-income individuals/families," or "people living in poverty" are often used in formal or academic contexts.
• Sensitivity Note: While grammatically correct and widely used, some modern discourse prefers person-first language that emphasizes the individual over the condition, such as "people experiencing poverty" or "people with low incomes."

Variants and Related Words

• The poor (n.): A collective noun phrase meaning the same group. ()
• Poverty (n.): The state of being extremely poor. ()
• Impoverished (adj.): Reduced to poverty. ()

Synonyms

• The impoverished
• The destitute
• Low-income people
• People in need
• The underprivileged (broader, often including lack of social benefits)

Antonyms

• The rich
• The wealthy
• Affluent people
• Prosperous people

Noun

1. people without possessions or wealth (considered as a group)
   • the urban poor need assistance