austere
gb/ɔstˈɪɹ/ us/ɔstˈɪɹ/
B2
English
~ 9200
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
B2
property
1
plain, simple, without decoration
Very simple and plain, without extra things, decorations, or comfort.
Usage pattern:
an austere [room/building/lifestyle/design]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'austere' when they only mean 'simple' or 'minimalist' in a positive, trendy way. 'Austere' often suggests not just simple design but also a lack of comfort or luxury, sometimes because of strict choices or limited money.
Synonyms
plain (More common and general; lacks the formal tone and suggestion of discipline that 'austere' has.)
|
spartan (Emphasizes hardness and lack of comfort even more strongly than 'austere'.)
|
unadorned (Focuses only on lack of decoration, not necessarily on lack of comfort or luxury.)
Antonyms
luxurious (Suggests a lot of comfort and expensive things, the opposite of a simple, bare style.)
|
ornate (Describes something heavily decorated, the opposite of plain and simple.)
Collocations
an austere room
|an austere lifestyle
|an austere building
|austere surroundings
|austere design
|austere beauty
Themes
appearance
|lifestyle
|architecture
|arts_entertainment
|clothing
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The bedroom was austere, with white walls and a single wooden bed.
- They chose an austere lifestyle, giving away most of their possessions.
- The church’s interior is surprisingly austere, with no paintings or statues.
- Modern cafés often favor an austere design with concrete floors and bare lightbulbs.
- Despite its austere setting, the mountain village felt peaceful and welcoming.
Learner examples
- His room is very austere, with only a bed and a table.
- The family lives an austere life and does not buy many things.
- The office has an austere style with gray walls and no pictures.
- She likes the clean, austere look of the small house.
adjective
formal
B2
property
2
strict and very serious in manner
Serious and strict, not warm or friendly in the way a person looks or behaves.
Usage pattern:
an austere [person/expression/face/manner]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'austere' with 'sincere' or 'serious'. 'Serious' can be neutral, but 'austere' usually suggests a cold, strict, or unfriendly feeling in someone’s looks or behavior.
Synonyms
stern (Very close in meaning; often slightly more common in everyday descriptions of strict people.)
|
severe (Can sound harsher and more negative, suggesting possible cruelty or harsh punishment.)
Antonyms
warm (Describes a kind, friendly manner, the opposite of cold and strict.)
|
easygoing (Suggests relaxed and not strict, the opposite of an austere personality.)
Collocations
an austere teacher
|an austere man
|an austere face
|an austere expression
|an austere manner
|an austere figure
Themes
personality
|behavior
|emotions
|relationships
Examples
- The headmistress was known for her austere manner and strict rules.
- His father’s austere face softened when he saw the children.
- Despite her austere appearance, she was kind and patient with her students.
- The judge’s austere expression silenced the noisy courtroom.
- He grew up under the influence of an austere grandfather who tolerated no nonsense.
Learner examples
- Our math teacher is quite austere and never smiles in class.
- The woman looked austere, but she was actually very nice.
- His mother’s austere voice made the children quiet.
- The manager has an austere style and expects everyone to work hard.
adjective
formal
C1
property
3
strict, harsh, and limiting (esp. financially)
Very strict and hard, especially when the government or a company cuts money and help so people have to live with less.
Usage pattern:
austere [measures/budget/policies/times]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'austere' here means only 'careful with money'. In politics and economics, 'austere' usually suggests cuts and hardship, not just normal saving.
Synonyms
stringent (Common in economic and legal contexts; emphasizes tight control and strict rules.)
|
harsh (More general; highlights the difficulty or pain caused by the strict conditions.)
Antonyms
generous (Describes giving or spending freely, the opposite of strict limits on money or help.)
|
expansionary (Technical economic term for policies that increase spending, the opposite of cutting back.)
Collocations
austere measures
|an austere budget
|austere economic policies
|austere fiscal policy
|austere times
|an austere program of cuts
Themes
economy
|politics
|society
|finance
Examples
- The government introduced austere measures to reduce the national debt.
- After years of austere budgets, public services are struggling.
- The company adopted an austere cost-cutting program during the recession.
- Many families suffered under the austere economic policies of the 1980s.
- Charities stepped in to help people cope with the increasingly austere social welfare system.
Learner examples
- The country is going through austere times with many job cuts.
- The new leader plans an austere budget with fewer social programs.
- Because of austere economic policies, many people have less money.
- The school has to be austere and cannot buy new computers.
adjective
technical
C2
property
4
dry, hard, not rich in taste
Describes a drink, usually wine, that tastes dry and hard, not soft or sweet.
Usage pattern:
an austere [wine/style/flavor]
Synonyms
dry (More common in everyday talk about wine; 'austere' sounds more technical and critical.)
Antonyms
rich (Describes a full, strong taste with depth and often some sweetness, the opposite of hard and simple.)
Collocations
an austere wine
|an austere flavor
|an austere style of wine
Themes
food
|drink
|food_drink
Examples
- The sommelier described the vintage as an austere wine with firm tannins and little fruit.
- Young, austere wines often need time to soften and develop more complexity.
- The sauce had an austere flavor that suited the simple grilled fish.
Learner examples
- The expert said the wine was austere and very dry.
- Some people like rich wine, but others prefer an austere style.
- The soup has an austere taste, with no cream or butter.
Grammar
Expressions
austere beauty
1/ɔstˈɪɹ bjˈuti/
fixed phrase
literary
simple, severe, but striking beauty
A kind of beauty that is very simple and has no extra decoration, but still looks strong and impressive.
Examples
- The desert has an austere beauty that many people find unforgettable.
- She was drawn to the austere beauty of the stone monastery on the hill.
austere lifestyle
1/ɔstˈɪɹ lˈaɪfstˌaɪl/
fixed phrase
formal
life with very few comforts
A way of living that is very simple, with almost no extra things, comfort, or luxury, often by choice or for religious reasons.
Examples
- The monks follow an austere lifestyle, owning only what they absolutely need.
- After losing his job, he adopted an austere lifestyle and cut all non-essential expenses.
austere measures
1/ɔstˈɪɹ mˈɛʒɚz/
fixed phrase
formal
very strict financial or policy cuts
Very strict actions, usually by a government, to cut spending or public help so people have to live with less.
Examples
- The prime minister warned that austere measures were necessary to stabilize the economy.
- Unions organized protests in response to the austere measures announced in the new budget.