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

That movement was a reaction to evictions and other issues after a global economic crisis, including unemployment, austerity measures and corruption. — Alicia León, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

The stop carries political overtones as cuts to disability funding have become a flashpoint in Milei’s austerity program. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

Alternatively, policymakers can use monetary tightening and austerity measures to suppress import demand, restoring the trade surplus at similar export levels. — Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026

All the austerity options—cutting spending, reforming entitlements, or raising taxes are measures politicians are reluctant to embrace before an election. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see austere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for austerity

• alterity
• asperity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity
• planarity
• polarity
• posterity
• prosperity
• severity

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