homelessness

[ hohm-lis-nis ]

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.

Sensitive Note

See homeless ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of homelessness¹

First recorded in 1810–20; homeless ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

Voters tend to measure the results of homelessness programs by what they see on the sidewalk.

From Los Angeles Times

The Local Government Association has welcomed the extra funding for councils but warned they still face significant pressures in areas like adult and children's social care and homelessness support.

From BBC

She said homelessness, public safety and cleaning the streets and sidewalks would be her priorities for the next four years.

From Los Angeles Times

So far, it has raised more than $439 million for affordable housing and homelessness prevention initiatives.

From Los Angeles Times

"Any rehabilitation progress made is likely to be lost with homelessness only adding to their trauma."

From BBC