subsistence level
1
5.4
- noun
- /səbˈsɪstəns ˈlɛvəl/
:
nivel de subsistencia
- Roughly, this means that for per capita income above some subsistence level, population increased, and below that level, it declined.
Examples
-
By 2040, experts suggest, many African populations will have outgrown their ability to feed themselves, even at the barest subsistence level.
Academic text (2005) -
Increased funding might help to develop arts education beyond the subsistence level at which it now operates.
Academic text (1998) -
It's still at the subsistence level regardless of this expanding financial sector.
-
In a preindustrial world, this kept down most wages to the subsistence level.
Academic text (2011) -
For families who must make painful decisions about which bills to pay in order to maintain a subsistence level of life, however, music lessons surely come in at the bottom of the list.
Academic text (2003) -
Their daily life was humble; they often lived in their houses for a long time, but economically they were closer to subsistence level than the farmers.
Academic text (1995) -
Many families in the region struggle to survive on a subsistence level, often lacking enough food and clothing.
-
A report showed that millions of people live at the subsistence level, barely able to afford basic necessities.
-
During the drought, farmers found themselves operating at a subsistence level, unable to produce enough crops for their survival.
Synonyms
22
2.9
The lowest income needed to meet basic needs in a country
16
2.8
The least money a person or family needs to buy basic things like food and a home
1
5.4
A low income level where people cannot afford basic needs
Very poor and only able to pay for basic needs like food
Antonyms
How Adequate
195
3.7
50
3.2
1
5.4
550
2.0
7
7.9
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'minimum standard of living' is directly derivable from combining 'subsistence' (basic livelihood/resources to stay alive) with 'level' (amount or standard). This is a literal, compositional noun phrase with no idiomatic shift and similar constructions exist in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should understand it.
Etymology
The term subsistence level comes from the simple image of living at the very bottom: subsistence means having just enough to 'survive' and level marks that low point. That's why it now means the smallest amount of food, clothes and shelter a person needs to stay alive.