# homeless

/ˈhoʊmɫəs/ (US) · /hˈəʊmləs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/homeless
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. people without homes

noun · CEFR B2

people who do not have a home, spoken about as a group.

For teachers: a collective noun referring to people who lack permanent housing. It is always used with the definite article 'the' and takes a plural verb.

- The city opened a new shelter to help the homeless find a safe place to sleep.
- Advocacy groups argue that simply providing beds for the homeless is insufficient without addressing the underlying causes of housing insecurity.

Usage: Always used as 'the homeless' to refer to the group.

Teaching tip: While 'the homeless' is common in journalism, many modern style guides prefer 'people experiencing homelessness' to be more person-centred.

## Examples

- The city is building new shelters for the homeless.
- Local charities provide hot meals and warm blankets to the homeless during the coldest months of winter.
- Government initiatives aimed at supporting the homeless must address not only immediate housing needs but also the underlying issues of mental health and employment stability.

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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.