ENGLISH
REFERENCE

homelessness

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhoʊmɫəsnəs// UK //hˈəʊmləsnəs// home·less·ness

n. the state of not having a permanent place to live. It is a serious social problem where people live on the streets or in temporary shelters.

n. the condition of lacking stable, safe, and adequate housing. Often used in sociological contexts to describe the systemic lack of residential security.


SIMPLE

The city is trying to reduce homelessness by building more shelters.

CONTEXTUAL

Local charities provide food and medical care to people experiencing homelessness during the winter months.

COMPLEX

Addressing chronic homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that combines immediate emergency housing with long-term mental health support and vocational training programs.

Origin

From homeless + -ness.

Usage

Often appears as the object of the verb 'experience' or 'address' rather than 'have'.

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