Definition of AUSTERITY

austerity

Meanings

Plural: austerities

Noun

  • the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)
  • Severity of manners or life; extreme rigor or strictness; harsh discipline.
  • Freedom from adornment; plainness; severe simplicity.
  • A policy of deficit-cutting, which by definition requires lower spending, higher taxes, or both.
  • Sourness and harshness to the taste.

Origin / Etymology

From Ancient Greek αὐστηρότης (austērótēs, “bitter, harsh”). Morphologically austere + -ity.

Antonyms

comfort

Scrabble Score: 12

austerity is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
austerity is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
austerity is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 12

austerity is a valid Words With Friends word