poverty trap

British  

noun

1. the situation of being unable to escape poverty because of being dependent on state benefits, which are reduced by the same amount as any extra income gained

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Example Sentences

"To break free from the poverty trap, it is essential to first break the primary vicious circle by addressing its root causes - namely the key determinants of economic growth," he says.

From BBC

But those energy retrofits are expensive and are likely beyond the reach of many low-income households, which could lead to what the researchers call an energy poverty trap.

From Science Daily

If there is any `trap’ in Africa, it is the `poverty trap.’”

From Seattle Times

Throughout most of our history, however, our species was caught in a poverty trap.

From Washington Post

Having worked as an infectious diseases physician in resource limited settings, I know how infectious diseases can drive people into the disease poverty traps.

From Washington Post