austerity

Definitions

Sternness or severity of manner or attitude.

Extreme plainness and lack of ornamentation or luxury.

Difficult economic conditions created by government measures to reduce a budget deficit.

Examples

The government implemented a period of strict austerity to reduce the national debt.

Despite the austerity of his lifestyle, he was remarkably content with his few possessions.

The austerity of the cathedral's design reflected the humble values of the monastic order.

Synonyms

frugality severity strictness spartanism abstinence economy sobriety

Antonyms

extravagance indulgence luxury opulence profligacy excess lavishness