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

The group is advised by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who said she was worried that a drop in health coverage will worsen homelessness.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Prince of Wales has brought his 12-year-old son Prince George to help at a homeless shelter, so he can teach him about homelessness and show him the efforts of organisations trying to tackle it.

From BBC

There were also complaints about the NHS, potholes, homelessness and the benefits bill.

From BBC

The approval comes as other government entities cut back on some programs to fight homelessness, sparking concerns more people could make their way onto the streets and into shelters.

From Los Angeles Times

By then, she had confronted a spate of other crises — federal immigration raids, a $1-billion budget shortfall, a split with county officials over the region’s approach to homelessness.

From Los Angeles Times