homelessness

American  

[hohm-lis-nis] / ˈhoʊm lɪs nɪs /

noun

1. 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.

2. 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. ).

Etymology

Origin of homelessness

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

Example Sentences

Young people leaving care in England face a sharper increase in homelessness compared to the population more broadly, latest figures show.

From BBC

The lawsuit focuses on a federal program known as Continuum of Care that sends money to local governments and nonprofits to fight homelessness.

From Los Angeles Times

He also visited Youth Shedz in the village of Mochdre, which creates a safe space for young people who might be experiencing challenges such as school exclusion, bullying and homelessness.

From BBC

But he was disillusioned — by the raids, L.A.’s homelessness crisis, high healthcare costs.

From Los Angeles Times

Last November voters approved the half-cent tax to fight homelessness, which was an increase from the previous quarter-cent levy known as Measure H.

From Los Angeles Times