Unhoused: meaning, definitions and examples

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unhoused

[ʌnˈhaʊzd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

homelessness

Without a place to live; homeless.

Synonyms

homeless, houseless, shelterless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unhoused	Appropriate in formal or professional settings, often used in publications and academic discussions to discuss the broader issue of lacking stable housing. 'The city's new policy aims to provide services for the unhoused population '
homeless	Commonly used in everyday conversation and media; this term is widely understood but can carry a negative connotation or stigma. 'The shelter provides food and accommodation for homeless individuals '
shelterless	Less common in everyday language, often used to highlight the immediate lack of shelter rather than long-term housing insecurity. 'After the storm, many residents were left shelterless '
houseless	Preferred in certain advocacy communities and by individuals who want to emphasize that the lack of a house doesn't define someone’s home or community connection. 'The event raised awareness about the needs of houseless veterans '

Examples of usage

Many people in the city are currently unhoused.
The unhoused population continues to grow due to the housing crisis.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The prefix 'un-' means 'not', so 'unhoused' directly translates to 'not housed'.
The term has been in use since the late 20th century, emphasizing the absence of secure housing.

Social Issues

The number of people classified as unhoused has increased in many urban areas, often due to rising housing costs.
Several organizations are working to provide resources and support to help those who are unhoused find permanent housing.

Psychology

Being unhoused can lead to feelings of isolation and mental health challenges due to instability.
Studies show that many unhoused individuals experience trauma, which can complicate their efforts to find housing.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, being unhoused is seen as a communal responsibility, leading to various community support systems.
Art and literature often depict tales of unhoused individuals, bringing awareness to their struggles and humanity.

Policy and Law

Different regions have varied laws aimed at helping or managing the unhoused population, sometimes leading to controversy and protests.
Policies geared towards affordable housing creation are critical in addressing the challenges faced by those who are unhoused.

Translations

Translations of the word "unhoused" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desabrigado

🇮🇳 बेघर

🇩🇪 obdachlos

🇮🇩 tunawisma

🇺🇦 безпритульний

🇵🇱 bezdomny

🇯🇵 ホームレス

🇫🇷 sans-abri

🇪🇸 sin hogar

🇹🇷 evsiz

🇰🇷 노숙자

🇸🇦 بلا مأوى

🇨🇿 bezdomovec

🇸🇰 bezdomovec

🇨🇳 无家可归

🇸🇮 brezdomni

🇮🇸 heimilislaus

🇰🇿 үйсіз

🇬🇪 უსახლკარო

🇦🇿 evsiz

🇲🇽 sin hogar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,471, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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39468 smirched
39469 pinniped
39470 decompressing
39471 unhoused
39472 bluebottle
39473 comporting
39474 ratiocinative
...