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
In February this year, students and activists took to the streets to decry austerity measures.
—
Chad De Guzman, Time, 1 Sep. 2025
Campaigners say high debt servicing costs and the IMF’s focus on austerity measures erodes public health care and education systems.
—semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Pale wood floors, crisp white linens edged in black, and black steel accents give the spaces discipline without slipping into austerity.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Despite the austerity of her ambitions, there are moments of lush imagination that leaven the tone somewhat, like a dream sequence in which Teresa, furiously making bread in the middle of the night, is teased by an impish child.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austerity
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Chad De Guzman, Time, 1 Sep. 2025
Campaigners say high debt servicing costs and the IMF’s focus on austerity measures erodes public health care and education systems.
—semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Pale wood floors, crisp white linens edged in black, and black steel accents give the spaces discipline without slipping into austerity.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Despite the austerity of her ambitions, there are moments of lush imagination that leaven the tone somewhat, like a dream sequence in which Teresa, furiously making bread in the middle of the night, is teased by an impish child.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for austerity
Cite this Entry
“Austerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/austerity. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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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