Austerity
/ɒˈstɛrɪti/
Definitions
A policy of reducing government spending and taxes to control public debt.
/ɒˈstɛrɪti/
Strict financial control and reduced government spending.
The country faced years of austerity after the economic crisis.
💡 Simply: Cutting back on spending to save money.
More Examples
Austerity measures led to cuts in public services.
How It's Used
"The government implemented austerity measures to reduce the national debt."
"Austerity policies often lead to social unrest."
From Latin austerus, meaning 'severe, harsh, dry'. The word evolved through Old French and Middle English, retaining its core meaning of severity and restraint.
While the word has ancient roots, its modern usage is strongly linked to economic policy debates, particularly after the 2008 financial crisis.
Memory tip
Think 'austerity' as 'austere' (strict) + 'ity' (quality) – the quality of being strict with finances.
Word Origin
"severe, harsh, dry"