homelessness
Americannoun
-
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.
Sensitive Note
See homeless ( def. ).
Etymology
Origin of homelessness
First recorded in 1810–20; homeless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )
Explanation
Homelessness is a situation in which people don't have a place to live. A family experiencing homelessness might need to temporarily stay in a city shelter or with a relative. Homelessness is a state of being without a home. The word usually describes the circumstances of people who have fallen on hard times and don't have the money or ability to acquire a safe, stable place to live. Homelessness is a widespread problem across the U.S., with causes that include poverty, addiction, domestic violence, low wages, and lack of affordable housing.
Vocabulary lists containing homelessness
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Last year, Bass and Raman co-signed a letter warning the supervisors the county pullout would create a “monumental disruption” in the city’s fight against homelessness.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026
Why are vulnerable people, including victims of domestic violence and those facing homelessness, not getting the supported housing they’ve been promised?
From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026
Before to Tuesday’s vote, CoC chair Ben Kay gave a recap of measures the board took to administer an impartial evaluation that scored the county higher than the city on handling homelessness issues.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
The CoC charter defines the membership as “persons and entities interested in collaborative, solution-oriented planning to address homelessness in LA County,” a definition that could easily include thousands of potential voters.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
She knew the feeling of being faced with homelessness.
From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack
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