Houseless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏠
Add to dictionary

houseless

[ˈhaʊs.ləs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

living condition

Without a house or a place to live; homeless.

Synonyms

homeless, shelterless, unhoused.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
houseless

Used less frequently and can imply a temporary or less severe lack of housing compared to 'homeless'. It suggests that a person doesn't have a house but might still have some form of shelter.

  • After the fire, they were houseless but stayed with friends and family.
  • He considers himself houseless rather than homeless.
homeless

Used when referring to people who do not have a permanent place to live, often living on the streets or in shelters. This is the most common and widely understood term, though it can carry a negative connotation.

  • The city is working on programs to help homeless individuals.
  • She runs a shelter for homeless people.
shelterless

Used to specifically indicate the absence of any shelter or protection. It's less common in everyday conversation and can imply extreme vulnerability.

  • In the storm, many animals were left shelterless.
  • The earthquake left thousands shelterless.
unhoused

A more recent term that's often used in advocacy and policy discussions. It is considered more respectful as it emphasizes the lack of housing rather than a lack of home.

  • The city's new initiative aims to provide services for the unhoused community.
  • Unhoused individuals often face significant challenges finding steady employment.

Examples of usage

  • He was houseless for months after losing his job.
  • The houseless man slept on the park bench.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'houseless'

The word 'houseless' originated from the combination of 'house' and the suffix '-less', which indicates the absence or lack of something. It has been used in English since the late 18th century to describe individuals or families without a place to live. The term highlights the vulnerability and challenges faced by those who are without shelter or a permanent residence.


See also: alehouse, hothouse, house, household, housekeeper, houselessness, housework, housing, outhouse, rehousing, taphouse, unhoused.