subsistence level

noun

: a level of income that provides only enough money for basic needs
living below (the) subsistence level

Examples of subsistence level 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.
Retirees, already living close to a subsistence level, could slip deeper into poverty if their pensions are not topped up to keep pace with inflation. Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2024 In areas like western Guatemala, where coconut, corn and banana plantations stretch along the highway, many people scrape by at a barely subsistence level. Soudi Jiménez, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2023 In general, though, it’s meant to provide a subsistence level of income for people younger than retirement age who can’t work. Liz Weston, oregonlive, 5 Mar. 2023

Dictionary Entries Near subsistence level

Cite this Entry

“Subsistence level.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsistence%20level. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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