austerity

noun

aus·​ter·​i·​ty ȯ-ˈster-ə-tē 

-ˈste-rə-,

 also  -ˈstir-ə-

plural austerities

1

: the quality or state of being austere: such as

a

: a stern and serious quality

the formal austerity of his manner

b

: a plain and simple quality

the austerity of the design

2

: enforced or extreme economy especially on a national scale

lived through years of austerity after the war

fiscal austerity

a series of austerity measures [=measures taken to reduce spending]

3

a

: an austere act, manner, or attitude

monastic self-denial and austerities

b

: an ascetic (see ascetic sense 1) practice

Examples of austerity in a Sentence

the austerity of the design

The austerity of their lifestyle was surprising.

They lived through years of austerity after the war.

the austerities practiced by monks

Recent Examples on the Web

For the artists who make such pieces, minimalism’s austerity and self-restriction hold the potential for freedom. —Adam Bradley, New York Times, 10 May 2024

When, after the post-war years of austerity and misery, the country established itself once again in the 1960s as a world power to be reckoned with, thanks to the dual strengths of the canny Prime Minister Harold Wilson and the telegenic young Queen. —Alexander Larman, TIME, 5 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

see austere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing austerity

• austerity measures

Kids Definition

austerity

noun

aus·​ter·​i·​ty ȯ-ˈster-ət-ē 

plural austerities

1

: the quality or state of being austere

2

: an austere act, manner, or attitude

3

: a way of living with few or no luxuries