Definition

Noun: A person who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This term refers to an individual experiencing homelessness, often living in shelters, on the streets, in vehicles, or in other unstable or inadequate living situations.

Usage

The term "homeless person" is a neutral, descriptive noun phrase used to identify an individual based on their housing status. It is commonly used in social, policy, and journalistic contexts.

Examples

• The city council debated new policies to support the homeless person sleeping in the library.
• Volunteers provided meals and warm clothing to every homeless person they encountered.
• She is a social worker who advocates for the rights of the homeless person.

Advanced Usage

• Person-first language: In many professional and advocacy contexts, person-first language (e.g., "a person experiencing homelessness") is preferred as it emphasizes the individual's humanity first and their circumstance as a temporary condition. However, "homeless person" remains widely used and understood.
  • The organization's mission is to assist persons experiencing homelessness, not just provide temporary shelter.

Variants and Related Words

• Homelessness (n): The state or condition of having no home.
  • The economic crisis led to a sharp increase in homelessness.
• Unhoused (adj): A synonym increasingly used as a more neutral alternative to "homeless."
  • The charity focuses on aid for unhoused veterans.

Synonyms

• Unhoused individual
• Person experiencing homelessness
• Rough sleeper (specifically for someone sleeping outdoors)
• Derelict (archaic and often pejorative)
• Vagrant (legal or pejorative term, often implying idleness)

Related Phrases

• Chronic homelessness: Long-term or repeated experiences of homelessness, often coupled with a disabling condition.
  • The new housing program targets individuals facing chronic homelessness.
• Homeless shelter: A facility providing temporary refuge for people without homes.
  • The homeless shelter offers beds and meals for up to 50 people a night.

Noun

1. someone unfortunate without housing
   • a homeless was found murdered in Central Park