Legal Definitions - poverty

Poverty is a state of being extremely poor and lacking the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, and clothing. It can also refer to a scarcity of something desirable, such as a poverty of ideas.

• A family living in a small, rundown apartment with no heat or running water is experiencing poverty.
• A community with high unemployment rates and limited access to healthcare and education is also experiencing poverty.
• A writer struggling to come up with new and original ideas may be experiencing a poverty of ideas.

These examples illustrate how poverty can manifest in different ways, from a lack of basic necessities to a lack of opportunities and resources. Poverty can have a profound impact on individuals, families, and entire communities, leading to poor health outcomes, limited educational and employment opportunities, and social isolation.