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

After dabbling with Moneyball — which is just a clever rebranding of austerity — the Giants are acting like a big-money, big-market team. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024

The simplicity of the nuns’ way of life is reflected in the austerity of Gregorian chant, which is also known as plainchant. —Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see austere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing austerity

• austerity measures

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