B1noun 2K

Poverty

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈpɒvəti/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈpɑːvərti/"]/

Meaning of Poverty

the state of being poor

In simple words: Not having enough money for basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing.

Poverty in a sentence

• Many families live in poverty and struggle to meet their basic needs.
• Poverty can lead to a range of social issues, including crime and lack of education.
• The government has implemented new programs aimed at reducing poverty in urban areas.
• Rural poverty presents unique challenges compared to urban poverty.
• Charities often focus on alleviating poverty through various support services.

How to use Poverty

Used in social and economic discussions. Be careful not to use it lightly in casual contexts; it's a serious issue. Avoid informal language when discussing poverty.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'poverty' like 'poor city'—imagine a city struggling with economic challenges.

Related words

Collocations with Poverty

• abject
• absolute
• extreme
• alleviate
• combat
• fight
• trap
• rate
• reduction
• in poverty
• poverty  among
• poverty  of
• above/​below/​under the poverty level
• above/​below/​under the poverty line
• at the poverty level

Synonyms for Poverty

• destitution
• impoverishment
• lack
• deprivation

Opposites of Poverty

• wealth
• affluence
• prosperity

Common mistakes with Poverty

• Confused with 'poor' as an adjective when describing a person.
• Using 'poverty' only in economic contexts; it can also refer to cultural or social aspects.
• Omitting the seriousness of the issue when discussing.

Frequently asked questions about Poverty

What does Poverty mean?

Not having enough money for basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing.

What is the definition of Poverty?

the state of being poor

How do you use Poverty in a sentence?

Many families live in poverty and struggle to meet their basic needs.

Can you give another example of Poverty?

Poverty can lead to a range of social issues, including crime and lack of education.

What are synonyms for Poverty?

Common alternatives include destitution, impoverishment, lack, deprivation.

What is the opposite of Poverty?

Opposite meanings include wealth, affluence, prosperity.

What words go with Poverty?

It commonly pairs with abject, absolute, extreme, alleviate, combat, fight, trap, rate, reduction, in poverty, poverty  among, poverty  of, above/​below/​under the poverty level, above/​below/​under the poverty line, at the poverty level.

What are common mistakes when using Poverty?

Confused with 'poor' as an adjective when describing a person. Using 'poverty' only in economic contexts; it can also refer to cultural or social aspects. Omitting the seriousness of the issue when discussing.

How do you pronounce Poverty?

US: /["/ˈpɑːvərti/"]/, UK: /["/ˈpɒvəti/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Poverty?

Used in social and economic discussions. Be careful not to use it lightly in casual contexts; it's a serious issue. Avoid informal language when discussing poverty.

What CEFR level is Poverty?

"Poverty" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.