austerity
aw-STEH-rih-tee
Austerity (noun) means Extreme plainness and self-discipline, with no luxuries. Example: “The family lived in austerity after losing their savings.”
noun
1
Extreme plainness and self-discipline, with no luxuries.
"The family lived in austerity after losing their savings."
2
A government policy of cutting spending or raising taxes to reduce a deficit.
"Years of austerity led to deep cuts in public services."
How to use austerity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiving with very little, by choice or necessity — or, in politics, a government cutting spending hard.
Common pairings
austerity measures
years of austerity
age of austerity
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Word forms
- Plural
- austerities
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The family lived in _____ after losing their savings.
Etymology
From Greek austērótēs ("harshness"); built from austere plus the suffix -ity.
Synonyms
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asceticism
nonindulgence
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for austerity
See all rhymes for austerity →Frequently asked questions
What does “austerity” mean?
The word “austerity” means extreme plainness and self-discipline, with no luxuries. In plain terms, living with very little, by choice or necessity — or, in politics, a government cutting spending hard.
How do you pronounce “austerity”?
“Austerity” is pronounced aw-STEH-rih-tee (/ɔˈstɛɹɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “austerity” in a sentence?
Here is “austerity” used in a sentence: “The family lived in austerity after losing their savings.”
What is the opposite of “austerity”?
The opposite of “austerity” — its antonyms — is comfort.
What part of speech is “austerity”?
“Austerity” is a noun.
Where does the word “austerity” come from?
The word “austerity” comes from Greek. From Greek austērótēs ("harshness"); built from austere plus the suffix -ity.
Is “austerity” a common word?
“Austerity” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “austerity” have?
“Austerity” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extreme plainness and self-discipline, with no luxuries.
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