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.
Sensitivity
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.
For Adams, a turning point came when he connected with Soldier On, a nonprofit working to end veteran homelessness that paired him with a financial counselor at Money Management International.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 11, 2026
A total of 35,000 households were assessed as being homeless or threatened with homelessness in 2025-26.
From BBC ● Nov. 11, 2026
“Given the potential profits generated by AI companies, I believe they should offer to address homelessness in the United States. This initiative would likely be very attractive to residents.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2026
Bass declared a citywide emergency on homelessness on the day she took office, promising she would lock arms with the region’s political leaders, including the L.A.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 8, 2026
Consider the recent history of homelessness in the United States.
From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt
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