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.
Some people are given priority, for example if they are at risk of homelessness, live in overcrowded accommodation, have served in the Armed Forces or have a connection to the local area.
From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026
Voters have been generous when it comes to repeatedly taxing themselves more, and more, to address homelessness.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2026
Lou Macari played for Celtic and Manchester United, and had two spells as Stoke manager before setting up a foundation to help combat homelessness in the city.
From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026
She said she felt Bass hadn’t done enough to address the issues that are top of mind for her, including homelessness and the impact immigration raids had had on Latinos in L.A.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026
In that lonely place Frodo for the first time fully realized his homelessness and danger.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
