Pauperism

Pronunciation: /ˈpɔpɝˈɪzəm/

Pauperism (noun)

  1. A condition where many people live in very poor conditions with little money, food, or housing for long periods.
  2. A situation where poor people repeatedly rely on public help because they cannot earn enough to live independently.

Examples

  • The charity fights pauperism in the poorest neighborhoods.
  • Many families suffer pauperism when wages cannot cover rent.