austerity

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aus·ter·i·ty / ôˈsteritē/ • n. (pl. -ties) sternness or severity of manner or attitude. ∎  extreme plainness and simplicity of style or appearance: the room was decorated with a restraint bordering on austerity. ∎  (austerities) conditions characterized by severity, sternness, or asceticism: his austerities had undermined his health. ∎  difficult economic conditions created by government measures to reduce a budget deficit, esp. by reducing public expenditure: a period of austerity.

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austerity

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