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
While recognizing the need for austerity, Bannon framed the coming economic fight as a choice between protecting the working class or shielding the wealthy from financial sacrifice.
—
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Many in the developing world are watching closely as the United States moves away from the old neoliberal logic while their own economies remain trapped within its austerity mandates.
—Nancy Okail, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2024
German arts workers expect that the measures, part of a broader austerity effort by the city’s government, will threaten nearly a third of fine art studios, reduce funding for exhibitions and public art, and cut resources for arts education programs.
—Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 27 Nov. 2024
For the first time in 2 decades, Argentina’s scientific community is experiencing substantial job losses and funding cuts as a result of austerity policies imposed by President Javier Milei, two recent analyses have found.
—science.org, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for austerity 
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Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Many in the developing world are watching closely as the United States moves away from the old neoliberal logic while their own economies remain trapped within its austerity mandates.
—Nancy Okail, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2024
German arts workers expect that the measures, part of a broader austerity effort by the city’s government, will threaten nearly a third of fine art studios, reduce funding for exhibitions and public art, and cut resources for arts education programs.
—Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 27 Nov. 2024
For the first time in 2 decades, Argentina’s scientific community is experiencing substantial job losses and funding cuts as a result of austerity policies imposed by President Javier Milei, two recent analyses have found.
—science.org, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for austerity
Dictionary Entries Near austerity
Cite this Entry
“Austerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/austerity. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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