primary poverty

English

Etymology

A categorization created by Seebohm Rowntree.

Noun

primary poverty (uncountable)

1. The condition of living below the poverty line, having insufficient income to meet one's basic needs.

   Coordinate term: secondary poverty

   • 2003, Rosemary Rees, Britain, 1890-1939:

     People living in primary poverty cannot obtain even the basic necessities of life (food, shelter and clothing) no matter how well they organise and manage their budgets.