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

Families like Julie’s often struggled with what to do with a loved one’s belongings after they died, while other families—rebuilding after a fire or emerging from homelessness—needed everything.

From The Wall Street Journal

He pointed to a recent 9% statewide drop in unsheltered homelessness as evidence that years of state investment and policy changes are beginning to show results.

From Los Angeles Times

They came from many backgrounds—business owners, a former candidate for governor, a former congressman, a Democrat operative, a Republican adviser, the CEO of the Oregon Historical Society and an expert on homelessness.

From The Wall Street Journal

The plaintiffs in a five-year-old lawsuit alleging the City of Los Angeles failed to address homelessness say the answer is an obvious “no.”

From Los Angeles Times

Lagos faces one of the most severe housing shortages in Africa and homelessness is rife in Nigeria's largest city by population but smallest by landmass -- set to become the world’s largest metropolis by 2100.

From Barron's