austerity
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a situation where a government reduces the amount of money it spends to try and cut its debt.
a state of reduced public spending and increased taxation aimed at reducing a government's budget deficit.
Simple“The government introduced a period of austerity to pay off the country's large debts.”
In context“Following the financial crisis, several nations implemented strict austerity measures that resulted in significant cuts to public services and infrastructure projects.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun in political contexts.
Teacher's tipThis is the most common modern use of the word, especially in news reports about national budgets.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a simple and plain way of living with no luxuries or comforts.
severity of manner or life; the practice of extreme self-discipline and the avoidance of all forms of indulgence.
Simple“The monks lived a life of austerity, eating only simple food and sleeping on the floor.”
In context“The austerity of his daily routine was a shock to his colleagues, who were accustomed to a much more comfortable lifestyle.”
UsageCan be used as an uncountable noun for the quality, or countable for specific acts.
Antonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
a very plain or simple appearance without any decoration.
the quality of being plain and unadorned in style or design.
Simple“I like the austerity of the building's design, with its straight lines and grey concrete.”
In context“The architect was famous for the visual austerity of his work, refusing to add any decorative elements that did not serve a functional purpose.”
Teacher's tipOften used in art, architecture, or fashion to describe a 'clean' but perhaps cold look.
SynonymsAntonymsornatenessdecoration
“The number of young people with no close friends has risen fivefold since 2014 as a result of growing up in a “bleak world” dominated by austerity, the pandemic and social media.”
From Ancient Greek αὐστηρότης (austērótēs, “bitter, harsh”). Morphologically austere + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.