noun
the poor; underclass; poorest segment of the population
Refers to the socioeconomic stratum living in poverty; often used in discussions of inequality, policy, or social issues.
政府は貧困層への支援を拡充する方針だ。
The government plans to expand support for the poor.
経済格差の拡大により、貧困層が増加している。
Due to widening economic inequality, the underclass is growing.