means test

noun

: an examination into the financial state of a person to determine eligibility for public assistance
means-tested adjective

Examples of means test in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The means test queried how much money the debtor and dependents would require to live in retirement. Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 One factor driving efforts to revise antitrust policy guidelines is that means tests to determine the impact of a merger on a marketplace have historically focused on price — the impact of a combination on wholesale and retail prices. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Apr. 2024 Bail reform legislation would require Michigan courts to adhere more closely to state guidelines that give preference to release on recognizance, and, most crucially, include a means test. Shania Russell, EW.com, 22 Oct. 2023 Paul has already stated that means tests on Medicare and Social Security should be on the table. Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2010 See all Example Sentences for means test 

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of means test was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near means test

Cite this Entry

“Means test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/means%20test. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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