Meaning & use

squalid

adjective·Advanced

Extremely dirty and unpleasant, typically as a result of poverty or neglect.

See it in a sentence

The refugees were forced to live in squalid camps with no clean water.

Health inspectors shut down the restaurant after finding squalid conditions in the kitchen.

A note on using this word

Squalid describes conditions caused by poverty or neglect and carries a stronger, more judgmental tone than simply 'dirty.'

Words with a similar meaning

filthysordid

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

pristineimmaculate

Make it your own

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