austerity

Everyday

1. (formal) A time when a government cuts spending sharply and people have less money and fewer services. tree →
2. A plain, simple way of living without comforts or luxury: the austerity of a monk's life. tree →
3. Strictness or seriousness in how someone looks or acts. tree →

In the lessons

Mostly a news, history and economics word: "austerity" describes cuts to public spending; in history it describes rationing years after a war. In stories it describes a plain, bare room or a stern person. Phrases: austerity measures, a time of austerity, live in austerity.

Examples

• The government announced austerity measures to save money. tree →
• During the years of austerity, the library opened only three days a week. tree →
• After the war people lived with austerity and rationing. tree →
• The monks lived a life of austerity, with plain food and no luxuries. tree →
• The bare room had a cold austerity. tree →
• The austerity of her face made the children quiet. tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable. Adjective: austere (plain, strict). Formal word; everyday talk says "cuts" or "tight budget". Say aw-STER-i-tee.