Word
squalor
US/ˈskwɑɫɝ/
UK/skwˈɒlɐ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, usually because of poverty or neglect.
n. the state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, typically as a result of poverty or neglect.
Examples
“The family lived in squalor before they found a new home.”
“After the flood, many residents were forced to live in squalor while waiting for government assistance to arrive.”
“The investigative report exposed the hidden squalor of the city's tenements, detailing the crumbling infrastructure and lack of basic sanitation provided to the tenants.”
Examples
simple
“The family lived in squalor before they found a new home.”
contextual
“After the flood, many residents were forced to live in squalor while waiting for government assistance to arrive.”
complex
“The investigative report exposed the hidden squalor of the city's tenements, detailing the crumbling infrastructure and lack of basic sanitation provided to the tenants.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “squalor” in context.
Verb
01. alleviate squalor
“New urban renewal projects aim to alleviate squalor in the inner city.”
verb + noun
02. endure squalor
“Families were forced to endure squalor while waiting for government housing.”
verb + noun
03. live in squalor
“It is a disgrace that so many elderly people still live in squalor.”
verb + prep + noun
04. squalor persists
“Despite the influx of aid, squalor persists in the makeshift camps.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. abject squalor
“Thousands of refugees are currently living in abject squalor.”
adj + noun
06. grinding squalor
“He rose from a childhood of grinding squalor to become a successful lawyer.”
adj + noun
07. sordid squalor
“The film depicts the sordid squalor of the city's underworld.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. depths of squalor
“The documentary explores the depths of squalor found in the Victorian slums.”
noun + prep + noun
09. state of squalor
“The property was left in a shocking state of squalor by the previous tenants.”
noun + prep + noun
10. live in abject squalor
“The orphans were found living in abject squalor without running water or heat.”
11. rescue from squalor
“Charities are working to rescue these animals from squalor and neglect.”
12. sink into squalor
“After the factory closed, the entire neighborhood began to sink into squalor.”
Usage
Commonly follows the preposition 'in' to describe a living condition.
Real-World Examples
“Squalor was found in most of the migrant colonies as they are living in inhuman conditions.” “In a dilapidated shelter in south India, surrounded by squalor, Alakamma Bibi dials her home in Myanmar every few hours.” “The city's hope of a better future seemed distant as untold millions continued to live, many in squalor.” Etymology
From the Latin squālor.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/squalor