poverty level

American  

noun

1. poverty line.

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poverty level Cultural  

1. A level of income above which it is possible to achieve an adequate standard of living and below which it is not. It fluctuates with the cost of living.

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Because the poverty level is somewhat artificially established by the government, it can be manipulated for political ends. As with hidden unemployment, governments are often accused of establishing a poverty level that underestimates the number of poor people.

Other Word Forms

• poverty-level adjective

Etymology

Origin of poverty level

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

People earning more than 400% above the federal poverty level have lost their eligibility for tax credits.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

The law also expanded eligibility to people earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level, about $62,600 for a single person and $128,600 for a family of four.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Families earning 400% or less of the poverty level are still getting subsidies, but often at a lower level than before.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

This year, 138% of the poverty level for a family of four is $44,367, and 400% is $128,600.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

She and her daughter lived barely above the poverty level.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady