The state of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; condition of being poor. noun
Many families in the area are living in poverty.
Efforts to alleviate poverty have been a central focus of government policy.
Deficiency or lack of something; scarcity. noun
The poverty of ideas in the meeting was evident.
There is a poverty of resources available for the project.
Renunciation of the right to individual ownership of property as part of a religious vow. noun
The monks took a vow of poverty.
Her commitment to poverty was part of her spiritual journey.