austerity
English meaning: Austerity
Definition
Government policy of reducing spending to decrease debt, often during economic crises.
Example
“The government's austerity policies cut funding for schools, hospitals and welfare.”
Another example: “The monastery's austerity — bare walls and simple meals — surprised the visitors.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A political-economic term for harsh cuts in public spending to reduce debt; often carries negative connotations in news. Also (formally) a quality of plainness or self-denial.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Greek 'austeros' meaning 'harsh, severe' (originally of a dry, bitter taste), via Latin and Old French, entering English in the 14th century.
Synonyms
- spending cuts
- belt-tightening
- retrenchment
Antonyms / Opposites
- extravagance
- stimulus
- largesse
Related Words
Common Collocations
- austerity measures
- austerity programme
- era of austerity
- impose austerity
- fiscal austerity
Word Forms
austerity (n); austerities (pl); austere (adj); austerely (adv)
Word Tools
Tools & Calculators
Maturity = 146,932.81 · Interest earned = 46,932.81
Literary Heritage
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.”
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B