Definition

Poor is a term often used to describe an individual or family’s financial status. It may also be used to designate or demarcate certain areas, e.g., a “poor neighborhood.” In general, using terms like “poverty” or “lower income” (and explaining how those terms are being defined, for instance by the US Census) is clearer than blanket, universalizing statements like “the poor,” which risk defining people by their life circumstances.

Additional resources

• How the Census Bureau Measures Poverty (Census)
• Are You Poor? Here’s How Poverty Is Defined (US News)

Summary

Poor or low-income refers to having little money or few possessions. In general, using terms like “poverty” or “lower income” (and explaining how those terms are being defined, for instance by the US Census) is clearer.

Related terms

• poverty
• rich/high-income
• class/social class