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.
He spent much of the years after his loss critiquing Bass online over her handling of the homelessness crisis and the Palisades fire.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2026
The report also says homelessness among former prisoners in Wales is continuing to rise.
From BBC ● Oct. 26, 2026
Unsheltered homelessness decreased for the first two years, but the latest homeless count showed the numbers are growing once again.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2026
While homelessness organisations have welcomed the government's focus on rough sleeping, many have urged ministers to go further in the Budget.
From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2026
I guess getting out of homelessness doesn’t happen all at once, either.
From "Crenshaw" by Katherine Applegate
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