Definition of austerity
austerities
1 : the quality or state of being austere: such asa : a stern and serious quality the formal austerity of his mannerb : 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]
3a : an austere act, manner, or attitude monastic self-denial and austeritiesb : an ascetic (see ascetic 1) practice
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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 of austerity from the Web
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With Rihanna enjoying a Cinderella moment and Delevingne going for icy austerity, each got to play princess while sharing the spotlight like true friends.
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Strapped for cash after 3 years of austerity budgets, Brazilian scientists are bracing for an even harsher year ahead.
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Then in 2015, radical left party Syriza swept to power on promises to renegotiate terms of the rescue, and end the austerity the euro area had imposed.
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Some did as a matter of principle, others to register disapproval of government austerity policies, and so on and so forth.
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Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn’s anti-austerity message attracted young voters in droves at last month’s general election, depriving May of her parliamentary majority.
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Temer's push for economic austerity measures and reforms got a setback in Congress on Tuesday when a Senate committee rejected his proposal to loosen Brazil's labor laws.
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This ideology, maintained to various degrees over the past few decades, places austerity above all else.
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Public anger was also focused on austerity cuts to fire services.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'austerity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of austerity
see austere
AUSTERITY Defined for English Language Learners
austerity
playDefinition of austerity for English Language Learners
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: a simple and plain quality : an austere quality
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: a situation in which there is not much money and it is spent only on things that are necessary
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austerities : things that are done to live in a simple and plain way
AUSTERITY Defined for Kids
austerity
playDefinition of austerity for Students
: lack of all luxury
Learn More about austerity
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See words that rhyme with austerity Spanish Central: Translation of austerity Nglish: Translation of austerity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of austerity for Arabic speakers
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