1. the quality of being severe, strict, or harsh in manner or appearance
2. the quality of being plain and simple, without luxury or decoration

Examples

• The austereness of the monastery impressed the visitors.
• His face showed an austereness that made students nervous.
• The room’s austereness reflected her practical nature.
• The austereness of wartime living affected everyone.
• She admired the austereness of the modern architecture.
• The judge’s austereness commanded respect in the courtroom.