Austerity

(n.)

1. (U) quality of being austere

简朴；紧缩

e.g. the austerity of the  Government's economic measures

政府经济措施方面的紧缩

e.g. War was followed by many years of austerity.

战争结束后还要过多年的紧日子。

2. (C. usu. pl.) condition, activity or practice that is part of an austere way of life

节衣缩食；艰苦朴素

e.g. Wartime austerities included food rationing and shortage of fuel.

战时的艰苦包括食物配给和燃料短缺。

引申

Austere

(a.)

1. (of a person or his behaviour) severely and strictly moral; having no pleasures or comforts

（指人或行为）束身自修的，苦行的

e.g. monks leading simple, austere lives

过着清苦生活的僧侣

2. (of a building or place) very simple and plain; without ornament or comfort

（指建筑物或地方）简朴的，无装饰的，简陋的

e.g. The room was furnished in austere style.

这间屋子的陈设都很简单朴素。