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.
Bass said unsheltered homelessness had fallen by 11% since the start of her term, even with this year’s citywide increase.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
Before to Tuesday’s vote, CoC chair Ben Kay gave a recap of measures the board took to administer an impartial evaluation that scored the county higher than the city on handling homelessness issues.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
Yet both homelessness and housing costs have increased.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026
Ms. Komatireddy also proposes to create a new office of civil commitment, staffed with law enforcement and healthcare professionals, to help address homelessness and drug deaths.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 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
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