homelessness

[ hohm-lis-nis ]

/ ˈhoʊm lɪs nɪs /

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See synonyms for homelessness on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of homelessness

First recorded in 1810–20; homeless + -ness

usage note for homelessness

See homeless.

Words nearby homelessness

home islands, homeland, homeland security, homelands movement, homeless, homelessness, homelike, home loan, homely, homemade, homemaker

How to use homelessness in a sentence

He watches four homeless men at the village dump setting fire to a pile of prosthetic legs “for warmth — and s’mores.”
Eighty years of memories that will stir readers’ own|Connie Schultz|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
A restaurant that fed the homeless said it might have to close.
It started as a macho bake-off between dads. Months later, they’ve delivered 15,000 cookies to essential workers.|Sydney Page|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
The returning students — most of whom are homeless, speak English as a second language or have special-education needs — will continue with virtual learning in their classrooms under the supervision of nonteaching staff.
After 8 months, D.C. Public Schools reopens buildings for more than 400 students|Perry Stein|November 18, 2020|Washington Post
In this latest miniseries, we’ll explore how it’s being used in sports both on athletes and fans, its use in retail stores even how it’s used to serve the homeless.
Citizens are turning face recognition on unidentified police|Tate Ryan-Mosley|November 18, 2020|MIT Technology Review

Bates’ office also confirmed Oceanside will receive nearly $650,000 it hopes can support a year-round homeless shelter in the city, funds the city discussed months ago in its continued discussions about the need for shelter beds in the coastal city.
Sacramento Report: 5 Questions for San Diego’s New Assemblyman|Voice of San Diego|November 13, 2020|Voice of San Diego
Crime, fiscal recklessness, and homelessness are stirring like discordant strains of music.
Why New York—and Bill de Blasio—May Haunt Hillary Clinton in a 2016 Campaign|Lloyd Green|June 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If the issue that brought a child into foster care is homelessness, child welfare systems must find parents housing.
One Breakdown Can Mean Losing Your Kid Forever|ProPublica|May 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
How a new study could give new insight into what causes homelessness.
New Research Shows Half of All Homeless Have Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury|Charlotte Lytton|April 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The findings are important in demonstrating that homelessness can often be created by medical—as opposed to lifestyle—deviations.
New Research Shows Half of All Homeless Have Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury|Charlotte Lytton|April 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Healthcare, hunger, homelessness, prison re-entry, and interfaith dialogue are all key areas plus more.
Are We Ready for a Muslim Pres?|Dean Obeidallah|February 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The homelessness of men, and even of inanimate vessels, cast away upon strange shores, came strongly in upon my mind.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Volume XXI|Robert Louis Stevenson
The windows of the stores were thick with frost, and Albert shivered with a sense of homelessness.
Other Main-Travelled Roads|Hamlin Garland
I would ask you to note that in none of the five cases was bad motherhood caused by poverty and homelessness.
Women's Wild Oats|C. Gasquoine Hartley
It is a state far from God; in other words, it is a state of homelessness.
Sermons Preached at Brighton|Frederick W. Robertson
I had gathered that there was disgrace hanging over us, disgrace, and homelessness for Theobald and me.
The Story of Bawn|Katharine Tynan