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Definitions

austerity

[aw-ster-i-tee] / ɔˈstɛr ɪ ti /
NOUN
severity
Synonyms
STRONGEST
rigor
STRONG
acerbity asperity astringence coldness exactness formality formalness gravity grimness hardness harshness inclemency inflexibility obduracy rigidity seriousness solemnity sternness stiffness strictness stringency
WEAK
exactingness
Antonyms
STRONG
informality kindness mildness unimportance
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness spending
NOUN
refraining; abstinence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
prudence self-discipline
STRONG
abstemiousness asceticism chasteness chastity continence determination economy puritanism self-denial sobriety stoicism strictness temperance
Antonyms
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness mildness spending
NOUN
grimness, barrenness
Synonyms
STRONG
baldness bareness economy plainness primitiveness rusticism severity simplicity spareness starkness
WEAK
dourness spartanism unadornment
Antonyms
WEAK
blandness calmness elaborateness extravagance gentility indulgence luxuriousness meekness mildness spending

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

What bankers appear to be calling for is not stimulus or austerity but balance.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Elsewhere in Asia, authorities have resorted to a variety of austerity measures.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced an austerity plan designed to save fuel, including slashing the working week for government employees to four days and shutting schools.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

When austerity later gutted treatment funding, outcomes reversed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

The conspicuous austerity of the announcement was matched by its calculated simplicity.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing austerity

A Midsummer Night's Dream

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30 GRE Words Beginning with "A"

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Grade 12, List 6

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