low-income

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low-income" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe individuals or families whose income is below a certain threshold, often in discussions about economic status, social programs, or housing. Example: "The government has introduced new policies to support low-income families in accessing affordable housing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Low-income parents, apparently.

The New York Times

Sandals are low-income.

The New Yorker

Low-income housing was one.

The New York Times

And low-income students?

The New York Times - Magazine

The unsurprising answer: low-income people.

The New Yorker

The rest are low-income families.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Low income?

Columbia University

Folks who are low income.

Harvard Business Review

Proof of low income is required.

The Guardian

"High income, low income, across the board.

The New York Times

Many come from low income backgrounds.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about individuals or communities, use "low-income" to objectively describe their economic status without implying judgment or stereotypes. It's a more neutral and respectful term than "poor".

Common error

Avoid using "low-income" when you actually mean "no income". "Low-income" describes individuals or families with limited financial resources, while "no income" indicates a complete absence of income. Use the correct term to accurately reflect the economic situation being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low-income" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective, describing a noun (e.g., families, housing, individuals) by indicating their economic status. It adheres to standard English grammar, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "low-income" is a prevalent and grammatically sound phrase used to describe individuals, families, or communities with limited financial resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and appropriate for use in various contexts. While alternatives like "economically disadvantaged" or "financially challenged" may be preferred in certain sensitive situations, "low-income" remains a neutral and widely understood descriptor. When using the term, it's crucial to ensure accuracy and avoid perpetuating stereotypes or misconceptions. Recognizing common errors, such as confusing "low-income" with "no income", will help ensure clear and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

economically disadvantaged

Focuses on the lack of economic opportunities and resources.

financially challenged

Highlights the difficulties and struggles related to managing finances.

underprivileged

Emphasizes the lack of advantages and opportunities compared to others.

poor

A straightforward term indicating a lack of financial resources.

needy

Suggests a state of requiring assistance or support due to a lack of resources.

impoverished

Highlights the state of being made poor or reduced to poverty.

of limited means

Indicates that someone has restricted financial resources.

struggling financially

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to manage financial difficulties.

low-resource

Focuses on the lack of available resources, not just financial.

working-class

Describes individuals who primarily earn income through manual labor or wage-based jobs, often implying a modest income level.

FAQs

How can I use "low-income" in a sentence?

You can use "low-income" to describe individuals, families, or communities with limited financial resources. For example, "The government provides assistance to "low-income families"" or "The program aims to support "low-income housing" initiatives".

What's a more sensitive alternative to "low-income"?

While "low-income" is generally considered a neutral term, you might consider using alternatives like "economically disadvantaged" or "financially challenged" depending on the context, especially when discussing vulnerable populations. These alternatives emphasize the systemic barriers and challenges faced by individuals with limited resources.

Is it appropriate to use "low-income" to describe a neighborhood?

Yes, it's appropriate to describe a neighborhood as "low-income" to indicate that the majority of residents have limited financial resources. However, be mindful of potential stereotypes and avoid using the term in a way that perpetuates negative perceptions. For example, "The city is investing in "low-income communities" to improve infrastructure and services".

What is the difference between "low-income" and "working class"?

"Low-income" refers specifically to a level of income, while "working class" describes individuals primarily employed in manual or wage-labor jobs. While there can be overlap, not all working-class individuals are necessarily "low-income", and vice versa. The term "working class" emphasizes occupation and social status, while "low-income" focuses solely on financial resources.