poverty
/'pɔvəti/
Definition
Noun: 1. The state of being extremely poor; lacking the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. This is the primary meaning, referring to a severe lack of money and material possessions. 2. (Figurative) The state of being insufficient in amount or inferior in quality. This extended meaning describes a scarcity or deficiency of non-material things, such as ideas, resources, or qualities.
Usage
The word "poverty" is an uncountable noun. It describes a condition or state, not individual instances. It is often used with prepositions like "in," "of," and "into."
Examples
Referring to financial/material lack:
- Millions of people live in extreme poverty.
- The government has introduced new policies to reduce poverty.
- The documentary highlighted the cycle of poverty in the region.
Referring to a figurative lack:
- The argument was criticized for its poverty of logic.
- There is a poverty of affordable housing in the city center.
Advanced Usage
- "Poverty line" / "Poverty threshold": The minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. (Note: This is a compound term listed separately as per instruction).
- Families living below the poverty line qualify for assistance.
- "Poverty-stricken": (Adjective) Suffering from extreme poverty.
- The charity provides aid to poverty-stricken communities.
- "Abject poverty": A state of poverty so severe it involves misery and degradation.
- The refugees were living in abject poverty.
Variants and Related Words
- Poor (adj): Having little money or few possessions. (e.g., )
- Impoverished (adj): Reduced to poverty. (e.g., )
- Pauper (n): A very poor person. (This is an old-fashioned or legal term).
- Indigence (n): (Formal) A state of extreme poverty.
Synonyms
- Destitution: Extreme poverty that leaves one without the means to provide for oneself.
- Penury: (Formal) Extreme poverty.
- Privation: A state in which things essential for human well-being (like food, shelter) are lacking.
- Neediness: The state of being in need.
Antonyms
- Wealth: An abundance of valuable possessions or money.
- Affluence: The state of having a great deal of money; wealth.
- Prosperity: The state of being successful, especially in financial terms.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- Poverty trap: A situation in which an increase in income results in a loss of state benefits, leaving someone no better off, thus creating a disincentive to earn more.
- Without access to education, it's hard to escape the poverty trap.
- Poverty of spirit: (Often used in religious contexts) A state of humility and recognition of one's need for God. In secular use, it can mean a lack of courage or vitality.
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Noun
-
the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
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