below the poverty level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "below the poverty level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or families whose income falls below a certain threshold defined as poverty. Example: "Many families in our community are struggling to make ends meet, with a significant percentage living below the poverty level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

One in five people live below the poverty level.

The New York Times - Sports

Nineteen percent of students live below the poverty level.

The New York Times

In West Englewood, 32.1 percent live below the poverty level.

The New York Times

The County Social Services Department identified promising students whose families were living below the poverty level.

The New York Times

90% of FAP payments would have gone to families with incomes below the poverty level.

The New Yorker

The majority of the city's inhabitants live below the poverty level.

The New York Times - Magazine

About half the population lives at, around or below the poverty level.

The Guardian

About a third of the population lives below the poverty level.

The New York Times

Almost a third of the population live below the poverty level.

The New York Times - Books

And half of those who kept working were living below the poverty level.

The New York Times

The County Department of Social Services identified potential recipients among families living below the poverty level.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "below the poverty level", ensure you're referencing a recognized poverty threshold (e.g., federal poverty level) for clarity and statistical validity.

Common error

Avoid using "below the poverty level" when you mean that people are simply worse off compared to others in their community. The poverty level is an absolute measure, not a relative one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below the poverty level" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the economic status of individuals or groups in relation to a defined poverty threshold. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "below the poverty level" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe individuals or families whose income falls below a defined poverty threshold. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide usage. Analysis of its usage reveals it is frequently used in news reporting, encyclopedic entries, and scientific studies. While the topic of poverty can be sensitive, this phrase maintains a neutral register and serves the purpose of conveying specific economic information. Alternatives like "under the poverty line" or "living in poverty" exist, but "below the poverty level" offers a specific and widely understood measure of economic status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the poverty line

Replaces "level" with "line", focusing on a boundary metaphor.

living in poverty

Uses a more general term, focusing on the state of poverty rather than a specific threshold.

economically disadvantaged

Emphasizes the lack of economic opportunity and resources.

low-income

Focuses on the income aspect, without explicitly mentioning the poverty threshold.

impoverished

Describes a state of being poor, often implying a lack of essential resources.

in a state of indigence

A more formal and less common way of describing extreme poverty.

subsisting on a meager income

Highlights the difficulty of living on very little money.

facing economic hardship

Focuses on the difficulties and challenges associated with poverty.

struggling to make ends meet

Emphasizes the difficulty of covering basic expenses.

in conditions of scarcity

Focuses on the lack of resources and necessities.

FAQs

What does it mean to live "below the poverty level"?

Living "below the poverty level" means that an individual's or family's income is less than the federally defined poverty threshold, indicating a lack of sufficient resources to meet basic needs.

What are some alternative ways to say "below the poverty level"?

You can use alternatives like "under the poverty line", "living in poverty", or "economically disadvantaged" depending on the context.

How is the "poverty level" determined?

The poverty level is determined by the U.S. government, based on income thresholds that vary by family size and composition. These thresholds are adjusted annually for inflation.

Is there a difference between "below the poverty level" and "low income"?

While related, "low income" is a broader term. Someone with a low income may still be above the poverty level. "Below the poverty level" specifically means falling under the government-defined poverty threshold.