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

In recent months, Bass has revamped her messaging, saying she’s been tackling problems that have “been around for multiple decades,” such as homelessness, sluggish police hiring and trash-strewn streets.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

“We’re trying to end homelessness, not have people recycle back to homelessness,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

County with the highest proportion of students facing homelessness.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

To get a better understanding of this system and to identify statewide trends in youth homelessness, researchers analyzed state and county data, as well as patterns at the 10 school districts in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Prison spared Trina the uncertainty of homelessness but presented new dangers and challenges.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson