poverty is a state of mind
Someone is only as poor as they perceive themselves to be.
ADJ
abject, absolute, extreme, grinding, severe | widespread | rural, urban
VERB + POVERTY
alleviate, combat, reduce
eliminate, eradicate
The government launched a new program to eliminate poverty in rural areas.
POVERTY + NOUN
trap
Many families find themselves in a poverty trap where earning more money actually reduces their government benefits.
PREP
in ~
Many families in the city struggle to survive in poverty without access to education or healthcare.
~ among
There are serious health problems among families living in poverty in rural areas.
~ of
The village suffered from a poverty of clean water and basic medical services.
PHRASES
below/on the poverty line
Many children in that country live below the poverty line and cannot attend school.