# austerity

/ˌɔˈstɛɹɪti/ (US) · /ɔːstˈɛɹɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/austerity
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. economic policy

noun · CEFR B2

a situation where a government reduces the amount of money it spends to try and cut its debt.

For teachers: a state of reduced public spending and increased taxation aimed at reducing a government's budget deficit.

- The government introduced a period of austerity to pay off the country's large debts.
- Following the financial crisis, several nations implemented strict austerity measures that resulted in significant cuts to public services and infrastructure projects.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun in political contexts.

Teaching tip: This is the most common modern use of the word, especially in news reports about national budgets.

### 2. strict lifestyle

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a simple and plain way of living with no luxuries or comforts.

For teachers: severity of manner or life; the practice of extreme self-discipline and the avoidance of all forms of indulgence.

- The monks lived a life of austerity, eating only simple food and sleeping on the floor.
- The austerity of his daily routine was a shock to his colleagues, who were accustomed to a much more comfortable lifestyle.

Usage: Can be used as an uncountable noun for the quality, or countable for specific acts.

### 3. plainness of style

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a very plain or simple appearance without any decoration.

For teachers: the quality of being plain and unadorned in style or design.

- I like the austerity of the building's design, with its straight lines and grey concrete.
- The architect was famous for the visual austerity of his work, refusing to add any decorative elements that did not serve a functional purpose.

Teaching tip: Often used in art, architecture, or fashion to describe a 'clean' but perhaps cold look.

## Examples

- The country faced years of strict austerity.
- The new government introduced severe austerity measures to reduce the national debt.
- Critics argued that the prolonged austerity measures disproportionately affected the working class while failing to stimulate long-term economic growth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.