the poor and vulnerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the poor and vulnerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about social issues, welfare, or policies aimed at supporting disadvantaged groups. Example: "The government must prioritize the needs of the poor and vulnerable in its budget allocations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We need to both intensify and accelerate these actions to reduce the ever-increasing vulnerability of populations to climate risk, especially the poor and vulnerable".

Vice

Reclusiveness for the poor and vulnerable.

The New York Times - Books

But the poor and vulnerable do not disappear.

The Guardian

As if social justice, fairness and protection of the poor and vulnerable were trivial.

The New York Times

They can contribute to the welfare of individuals by, for example, serving the poor and vulnerable.

The Guardian - Opinion

During hard times the poor and vulnerable get not only squeezed, but squashed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Done well, budgeting can indeed help rather than hurt the poor and vulnerable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Deficit reduction should not occur on the backs of the poor and vulnerable.

The New York Times

For the past 50 years, housing associations have guaranteed to provide affordable housing for the poor and vulnerable.

The Guardian

"Between the powerful and the wealthy, and the poor and vulnerable, who should a pastor side with?" he asked himself.

The New Yorker

There are some who claim that Manuel Zelaya'’s policies best addressed the concerns of the poor and vulnerable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about social programs, use the phrase "the poor and vulnerable" to clearly identify the target demographic.

Common error

Avoid using "the poor and vulnerable" when referring to all disadvantaged groups; ensure the context genuinely involves both poverty and vulnerability to other risks, such as health issues or natural disasters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the poor and vulnerable" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific group of people characterized by both economic disadvantage and susceptibility to harm. Ludwig confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the poor and vulnerable" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term for describing individuals or groups facing both economic hardship and increased susceptibility to harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often employed in discussions about social issues, welfare policies, and advocacy for disadvantaged populations. Alternatives include "the needy and disadvantaged" or "vulnerable populations", depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the dual challenges of poverty and vulnerability, avoiding overgeneralization. It appears most frequently in news and media and scientific sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the needy and disadvantaged

Emphasizes material lack and social disadvantage.

the marginalized and impoverished

Highlights social exclusion and economic hardship.

the underprivileged and at-risk

Focuses on limited opportunities and potential dangers.

the destitute and helpless

Stresses extreme poverty and lack of support.

the dispossessed and insecure

Highlights lack of ownership and instability.

the vulnerable populations

Directly focuses on susceptibility to harm, omitting explicit mention of poverty.

those in need

A broader term that encompasses various forms of need, not just poverty and vulnerability.

the impoverished

Focuses solely on poverty, omitting vulnerability.

the socially excluded

Highlights social isolation and marginalization, without specific mention of poverty.

the working poor

Refers to individuals who are employed but still live in poverty.

FAQs

How can I use "the poor and vulnerable" in a sentence?

Use "the poor and vulnerable" to refer to individuals or groups facing both economic hardship and increased susceptibility to harm. For instance, "Government policies should prioritize the needs of "the poor and vulnerable" during economic crises".

What are some alternatives to "the poor and vulnerable"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the needy and disadvantaged", "the marginalized and impoverished", or "vulnerable populations".

Is it redundant to say "the poor and vulnerable"?

While poverty can increase vulnerability, the phrase isn't always redundant. Vulnerability can stem from factors beyond poverty, such as age, disability, or social isolation. The phrase underscores the intersection of these challenges.

What's the difference between "the poor" and "the poor and vulnerable"?

"The poor" refers specifically to those lacking financial resources. "The poor and vulnerable" encompasses those facing economic hardship who are also at heightened risk due to factors like health, age, or social circumstances.