Why has it proved so difficult to formulate a definition of poverty that is acceptable to everyone?

In general, the term poverty is seen to refer to a social and economic condition which is undesirable for any individual or group in society. The concept implies that people who are suffering from poverty need to be helped in order to enhance their social status, and that a solution to the problem must be found. By examining the population of a Third World country such as Ethiopia, we can see clearly that the levels of famine and disease are high and that people are living in impoverished conditions….(short extract)