squalor Definition
- 1the state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect
- 2a place or living conditions that are extremely dirty and unpleasant
Using squalor: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "squalor" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The family lived in squalor, surrounded by garbage and filth.
Example
The city's slums were notorious for their squalor and poor living conditions.
Example
The abandoned building was in a state of squalor, with broken windows and debris everywhere.
squalor Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for squalor
- dirtiness
- muck
- sordidness
- filth
- grime
Antonyms for squalor
Phrases with squalor
Example
The refugees were forced to live in squalor, with no access to clean water or sanitation facilities.
Example
The photographs showed the squalor of war, with bombed-out buildings and injured civilians.
Example
She managed to escape from squalor by getting a job and saving up enough money to move to a better neighborhood.
Origins of squalor
from Latin 'squalere', meaning 'be rough with hair or fur'
Summary: squalor in Brief
The term 'squalor' [skwol-er] refers to a state of extreme dirtiness and unpleasantness, often resulting from poverty or neglect. It can describe living conditions or places, such as slums or abandoned buildings. Phrases like 'live in squalor' and 'escape from squalor' denote the experience of living in such conditions. Synonyms include 'filth,' 'dirtiness,' and 'sordidness.'