homelessness

UK: /ˈhəʊmləsnəs/ | US: /ˈhoʊmləsnəs/

Definition

  1. n. the state or condition of having no home or permanent place of residence.

Structure
home <dwelling>less <without>ness <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "homelessness" is built from three clear morphemes:

  1. "Home" (Old English hām, meaning "dwelling" or "safe place")
  2. "-less" (Old English -lēas, a suffix meaning "without")
  3. "-ness" (Old English -nes, forming abstract nouns indicating a state or condition).

The term evolved logically: "home" (a place) + "-less" (lacking) → "homeless" (lacking a home) + "-ness" → the abstract state of being without a home. This construction reflects a straightforward Germanic pattern of compounding to express absence and abstract qualities.

Examples

  1. The city launched a program to reduce homelessness by providing affordable housing.

  2. Homelessness has increased due to economic instability and rising rents.

  3. Volunteers distributed blankets to people experiencing homelessness during winter.

  4. She wrote a research paper on the psychological effects of chronic homelessness.

  5. Solving homelessness requires both short-term aid and long-term policy changes.