breadline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, journalistic, socio-political discourse
Quick answer
What does “breadline” mean?
A level of income so low that one can barely afford basic necessities, especially food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A level of income so low that one can barely afford basic necessities, especially food.
The threshold of poverty; a figurative line dividing those who can meet their basic needs from those who cannot. Often used metaphorically to indicate financial hardship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties, but is arguably more common in British English, especially in political and social welfare contexts.
Connotations
Connotes severe economic hardship and social inequality. In the UK, it often carries a stronger association with welfare state discussions.
Frequency
Low frequency in casual conversation; appears more in news reports, political commentary, and academic texts discussing poverty.
Grammar
How to Use “breadline” in a Sentence
[live/exist/survive] + on the breadline[be/fall] + [just] below/above the breadline[push/drive] + someone to the breadlineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breadline” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new policies could breadline thousands of pensioners.
American English
- The recession breadlined many middle-class families.
adjective
British English
- Breadline households are facing a harsh winter.
American English
- They subsisted on a breadline income.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) reports discussing low-wage workers.
Academic
Used in sociology, economics, and social policy papers discussing poverty thresholds.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual chat; used when discussing serious financial struggles of individuals or in society.
Technical
Not a precise technical term like 'poverty line', but used in related socio-economic discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “breadline”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “breadline”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breadline”
- Using 'breadline' as a standalone noun without 'on the' (e.g., Incorrect: 'He is breadline.' Correct: 'He is on the breadline.')
- Confusing it with 'breadwinner'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is one word: 'breadline'.
It is more typical to describe individuals, families, or groups of people. For a country, terms like 'poverty-stricken' or 'in economic crisis' are more common.
They are largely synonymous, but 'poverty line' is a more formal, technical term often defined by governments with specific income thresholds. 'Breadline' is slightly more metaphorical and journalistic.
It is a descriptive term for a serious social condition and is not inherently offensive. However, sensitivity is advised when applying it to individuals, as it labels their economic status.
A level of income so low that one can barely afford basic necessities, especially food.
Breadline is usually formal, journalistic, socio-political discourse in register.
Breadline: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbredlaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbredlaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the breadline”
- “Live from hand to mouth (similar concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a literal LINE of people waiting for BREAD because they are poor. If you are 'on that line', you are extremely poor.
Conceptual Metaphor
POVERTY IS A LINE/THRESHOLD (to cross, to be above/below).
Practice
Quiz
What does the phrase 'on the breadline' primarily express?