ˈpɔvətɪ n. 1
the state of
being poor;
want of the necessities of
life. 2 (often foll. by
of, in)
scarcity or
lack. 3
inferiority,
poorness, meanness. 4 Eccl.
renunciation of the
right to
individual ownership of
property. øpoverty line the
minimum income level needed to
secure the necessities of life. poverty-stricken extremely poor. poverty trap a
situation in
which an
increase of income incurs a
loss of State benefits,
making real
improvement impossible. [ME f. OF poverte, povert÷ f. L paupertas -tatis f.
pauper poor]