austerity

noun

aus·​ter·​i·​ty ȯ-ˈster-ə-tē How to pronounce austerity (audio)
-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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This would ease the debt burden while avoiding immediate austerity measures, notoriously difficult for any politician to implement. Marie Poteriaieva, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 The ill effects of austerity measures Some countries in recent economic history which underwent shock therapy suffered for years. Ron Insana, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024 State of play: TSU's interim president, who took charge earlier this year, had already enacted significant austerity measures before the new enrollment data came out, including cutting travel for the university's famed Aristocrat of Bands. Adam Tamburin, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 Swag has been growing at a moderate clip in an era of white collar austerity. Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for austerity 

Word History

Etymology

see austere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of austerity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near austerity

Cite this Entry

“Austerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/austerity. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

austerity

noun
aus·​ter·​i·​ty ȯ-ˈster-ət-ē How to pronounce austerity (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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