# blighted

/ˈbɫaɪtɪd/ (US) · /blˈaɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blighted
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

damaged or ruined in a way that makes something look bad or unhealthy. You often use it to describe areas of a city that are empty and in poor condition.

For teachers: damaged, ruined, or impaired in appearance or function. Often describes urban areas affected by neglect or economic decline.

## Examples

- The old factory is a blighted eyesore in the neighborhood.
- The city council is working to clear the blighted buildings that have stood empty for decades.
- The once-thriving industrial district became a blighted landscape of rusted machinery and crumbling brick, serving as a stark reminder of the region's economic downturn.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.