What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
squatterdom
Example
The government is trying to address the problem of squatterdom by providing affordable housing. [squatterdom: noun]
Example
Many families in squatterdom lack access to basic services like water and sanitation. [squatterdom: noun]
tenement
Example
The tenement building was infested with rats and had no heat. [tenement: noun]
Example
Many immigrants lived in tenements when they first arrived in America. [tenements: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tenement is more commonly used than squatterdom in everyday language. Tenement is a historical term that is still used today to describe substandard housing in urban areas, while squatterdom is a more recent phenomenon that is less commonly discussed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between squatterdom and tenement?
Both squatterdom and tenement are relatively formal words that are often used in academic or policy contexts to discuss issues related to housing and poverty.
