English · Culture & Society
poverty
/ˈpɒv.ə.ti/
[/ˈpɒv.ə.ti/]
state of being poor
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The state of being extremely poor and lacking the money for basic needs. It is a central concern of social and economic policy.
Example
The charity works to lift families out of poverty by providing jobs and basic education.
The charity works to lift families out of poverty by providing jobs and basic education.
Etymology
From Old French 'poverte', from Latin 'paupertas', from 'pauper' (poor).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in economics, development, and social policy.