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

Today it is known more for rampant drug use and homelessness, needles strewn on the ground and overdose deaths from fentanyl and other narcotics in the park and nearby alleys.

From Los Angeles Times

The county audit, ordered by the Board of Supervisors in February, is separate from an audit of L. A. city homelessness programs being conducted under the auspices of federal court in the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s angry and deflated at the city’s aggressive move to label homelessness a crime.

From Los Angeles Times

“The ground is fertile,” said Jesse Rabinowitz, campaign and communications director for the National Homelessness Law Center, which fights laws aimed at criminalizing homelessness.

From Los Angeles Times

The Welsh government said tackling homelessness was a priority and it had "allocated record levels of funding" since 2021 - £1.4bn - and was investing nearly £220m in homelessness prevention and housing support this year.

From BBC