Synonyms for

Homeless

Verb / ˈhəʊmlʌs / Another word for homeless — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Without a home or permanent place of residence.

Synonyms & similar words

dispossessed roofless stateless homelessperson destitute dispossessed down-and-out poor needy unhoused unsheltered roofless itinerant vagrant transient nomadic wandering migrant home-free

Synonyms by register

Formal

destitute unhoused displaced needy

Informal

on the streets without a roof living rough down and out

Literary

vagabond wanderer outcast

Antonyms

housed sheltered resident settled established rooted homeowner

Common collocations

  • homeless person
  • homeless shelter
  • homeless population
  • homeless encampment
  • homeless services
  • homeless youth
  • homeless epidemic

Word family

noun homelessness
adjective homeless

Usage note

While 'homeless' is primarily an adjective, it is often used as a noun to refer to people experiencing homelessness, though this can be considered dehumanizing. It's often preferred to say 'people experiencing homelessness' or 'a person without a home'.

Example sentences

  1. 1. The homeless shelter provided food and a warm bed for the night.
  2. 2. We donated clothes and blankets to the homeless during the winter season.
  3. 3. Many cities have programs to help homeless individuals find jobs and housing.
  4. 4. The homeless woman begged for spare change on the street corner.
  5. 5. The number of homeless people in the city has been increasing over the years.

Quotes

  • 1. 'Homeless people are not social inadequates. They are people without homes.' - Sheila McKechnie
  • 2. 'Homelessness is not a choice. It's not a decision. It's a circumstance.' - Matthew Desmond
  • 3. 'Homelessness is the most extreme form of poverty.' - Mike Lowry

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