Definition

The condition of not having a home or a place to live.

Example

Many cities are working to address the issue of homelessness.

Conversation

Did you see that documentary on homelessness?

Yeah, it was really eye-opening and sad.

I had no idea how many people are affected by homelessness in our city.

It makes you want to help in some way, right?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Homelessness is formed from "home" (from Old English *ham*, meaning dwelling or residence) and "-less" (meaning without), combined with the suffix "-ness" (indicating a state or condition). The word describes the state of being without a home or dwelling.

Memory Tip

Think of 'home' as a place where one lives, and '-less' means without, so homelessness refers to the condition of being without a home.

Visually Confused Words