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
Respondents expressed that while hiring and promotion freezes, budget cuts and layoffs were reduced compared to 2024, economic austerity remains at organizations, adding pressure to existing teams and reducing security resilience.
—
Ipsita Mohanty,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The departure of Adorni — who, as Milei’s spokesperson, emerged in 2023 as the face of his strict austerity program and anti-corruption drive — costs the president one of his most trusted and longtime aides.
—
Clara Preve,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2026
The departure of Adorni — who, as Milei’s former spokesperson, emerged in 2023 as the face of his harsh austerity program and anti-corruption drive — costs the president one of his most trusted and longtime aides.
—
ABC News,
27 June 2026
On Saturday, following the progress on the peace deal, the austerity measures had been lifted, according to local media reports.
—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for austerity
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Ipsita Mohanty,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The departure of Adorni — who, as Milei’s spokesperson, emerged in 2023 as the face of his strict austerity program and anti-corruption drive — costs the president one of his most trusted and longtime aides.
—
Clara Preve,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2026
The departure of Adorni — who, as Milei’s former spokesperson, emerged in 2023 as the face of his harsh austerity program and anti-corruption drive — costs the president one of his most trusted and longtime aides.
—
ABC News,
27 June 2026
On Saturday, following the progress on the peace deal, the austerity measures had been lifted, according to local media reports.
—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for austerity
Cite this Entry
“Austerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/austerity. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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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