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

Leaving the refuge, the vibrant color palette and moisture give way to muted browns and the returning austerity of desert air. —Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

The oil shocks of the 1970s forced traumatic austerity on Americans. —Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026

One effect of this austerity and repression is to focus attention on Albee’s language, with its slippery banalities and barbs. —Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026

Opaque budgets and an austerity mindset lead to distrust in government, perpetuating anti-tax sentiments. —Celina Su, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 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