Word

austerity

noun C1

/ɔˈstɛɹɪti/

Meanings

noun

a government policy of reducing public spending (and sometimes raising taxes) to control debt

noun

a plain and strict way of living with few comforts or luxuries

Definition

Austerity is a period or policy of strict spending and self-discipline, especially by a government to reduce debt.

Austerity usually refers to strict measures that limit spending and encourage saving, often introduced by governments during economic difficulty. It can include cuts to public services, higher taxes, or wage freezes. More generally, it can also describe a simple, plain lifestyle with few comforts.

Examples

The government introduced austerity to reduce the budget deficit.
Years of austerity left many local services underfunded.
After losing his job, she adopted austerity at home to save money.
Critics argued that austerity harmed economic growth.
The country faced protests after new austerity measures were announced.

Common mistake

Learners often use austerity as if it means “poverty,” but it more specifically means strict spending cuts or a deliberately simple lifestyle.