View synonyms for

homelessness

[ hohm-lis-nis ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

lack of permanent housing, especially this condition generally as a matter of public concern:
The city partners with community groups to offer resources for youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
lack of a feeling of belonging; rootlessness or restlessness:
He writes about a feeling of homelessness after immigration, when he felt neither firmly bound to his native culture nor fully adapted to the new one.

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Sensitive Note

See homeless ( def ).

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Word History and Origins

Origin of homelessness¹

First recorded in 1810–20; homeless ( def ) + -ness ( def )

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“In recent years, California dreams have transformed into California nightmares of skyrocketing crime and dystopian scenes of homelessness and open-air drug use,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said.

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“Much of this is a reflection on what’s happening downtown with the homelessness, with the increased vacancy, with the safety factor,” Weiss said.

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About half a million people in the UK currently live in supported housing, including young care leavers, army veterans, people with learning disabilities and those escaping homelessness or domestic abuse.

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A turnaround requires addressing homelessness through an engaged and proactive government that works cooperatively with business and local leaders, he said.

From

homeless homelike

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