extreme poverty

USAGE SUMMARY

"extreme poverty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which people live in very difficult economic conditions due to a lack of basic resources. For example, "Millions of people around the world are facing extreme poverty as a result of the global economic crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Extreme poverty is extremely dangerous.

Huffington Post

Extreme poverty remains widespread.

The Economist

He died at Naples in extreme poverty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

IMAGINE a world without extreme poverty.

The Economist

Extreme poverty, no job creation.

The Guardian

"I'd never seen extreme poverty.

The New York Times

You can't discriminate, when there's extreme poverty".

The Guardian

We need these to end extreme poverty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Poverty – including extreme poverty – is pervasive.

The Guardian - Opinion

By the city's measure, 5.5 percent were in extreme poverty.

The New York Times

The country's extreme poverty is another complicating factor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extreme poverty" in contexts where the focus is on the most severe forms of deprivation, reserving 'poverty' for general discussion of economic hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme poverty" interchangeably with general poverty. "Extreme poverty" refers to a specific condition of severe deprivation, typically defined by income levels below a certain threshold (e.g., living on less than $1.90 a day). Using it loosely can diminish the term's significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme poverty" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use, as seen in examples describing global issues and personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "extreme poverty" is a widely recognized and grammatically correct phrase used to describe severe economic deprivation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It frequently appears in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, indicating its relevance across various registers. To enhance writing, it's essential to use this phrase with specific examples and data to illustrate its impact. Alternatives like "abject destitution" or "acute deprivation" can provide nuanced descriptions. Remember that "extreme poverty" should not be used loosely, as it diminishes the term's significance and separates it from general poverty conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abject destitution

This phrase intensifies the sense of hopelessness and complete lack of resources.

severe impoverishment

Emphasizes the process and state of becoming extremely poor, highlighting a long-term lack of wealth.

acute deprivation

Focuses on the lack of essential needs and resources, emphasizing the severity of the deficiency.

penurious circumstances

Describes the situation or conditions characterized by extreme lack of wealth and resources.

utter impoverishment

Amplifies the degree of poverty, stressing the complete lack of wealth or means.

deep indigence

Highlights the state of being deeply impoverished, emphasizing the lack of basic necessities.

dire economic hardship

Focuses on the economic difficulties and suffering caused by the extreme lack of financial resources.

subsistence-level existence

Describes a way of life where people barely have enough to survive, focusing on the struggle for basic needs.

lives of destitution

Highlights the continuous and pervasive nature of extreme poverty in affected individuals' lives.

extreme material want

Emphasizes the severe lack of material possessions and resources necessary for a basic standard of living.

FAQs

What is the definition of "extreme poverty"?

"Extreme poverty" typically refers to living below the international poverty line, often defined as income less than $1.90 per day. It signifies a severe lack of resources to meet basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing.

What are some other ways to describe "extreme poverty"?

You can use phrases like "abject destitution", "severe impoverishment", or "acute deprivation" to convey the same meaning.

How does "extreme poverty" differ from general poverty?

"Extreme poverty" represents the most severe form of poverty, where individuals lack the most basic necessities for survival. General poverty encompasses a broader range of economic hardship, where individuals may struggle to meet their needs but are not necessarily in a state of life-threatening deprivation.

What are the main causes of "extreme poverty"?

Factors contributing to "extreme poverty" include lack of access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as conflict, discrimination, and environmental degradation. Systemic inequalities and inadequate social safety nets also play significant roles.