homelessness

[hohm-lis-nis]

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.

Sensitive Note

See homeless ( def. ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of homelessness¹

First recorded in 1810–20; homeless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )