1. harsh economic policies or conditions involving reduced spending and limited resources
Usage: often used in political or economic contexts
2. severe self-discipline and avoidance of luxury, especially for religious or moral reasons
Usage: often refers to religious or spiritual practices

Examples

• The government imposed harsh austerities to reduce the national debt.
• Citizens protested against the economic austerities that cut social programs.
• The monk practiced daily austerities as part of his spiritual discipline.
• During wartime, the population endured many austerities including food rationing.
• The austerities of the recession forced many families to change their lifestyle.
• Religious austerities helped the saint achieve spiritual enlightenment.