Words / B1

HOHML-uh-s/ˈhəʊmləs/

Homeless means without a home: homeless people; become homeless. Homelessness is the noun (uncountable). Rough sleeping is one visible form, not the whole meaning. Do not use homeless as a noun in careful UK style (avoid “the homeless” in some style guides — prefer homeless people). Councils: homelessness duty.

Meaning

Without a home to live in.

Examples

• “The council opened extra beds for homeless people in the freeze.”
• “Rent arrears left the family homeless after the eviction.”

Good to know

homeless people; become homeless. Noun: homelessness. Related: rough sleeping. Careful style: homeless people, not always “the homeless”. Council duty.

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