penury suggests a cramping or oppressive lack of money.
a catastrophic illness that condemned them to years of penury
want and destitution imply extreme poverty that threatens life itself through starvation or exposure.
lived in a perpetual state of want
the widespread destitution in countries beset by famine
Examples of poverty in a Sentence
He was born in poverty.
There is a poverty of information about the disease.
Recent Examples on the WebThe program aimed to lift disabled, blind and elderly people with little money out of poverty.—Joseph Shapiro, NPR, 20 June 2024 The show will benefit nonprofit organizations across New York, as well as encouraging people in power to end poverty, take action on the climate crisis, and increase foreign aid.—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 18 June 2024 One in 10 seniors (about 6 million people) have incomes below the federal poverty level.—Judith Graham, CNN, 18 June 2024 Organizers are this year asking citizens to call for action in defeating poverty, defending the planet and demanding equity.—Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for poverty
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poverty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English poverte, from Anglo-French poverté, from Latin paupertat-, paupertas, from pauper poor — more at poor
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