C2nounformalurbansociety
US/ˈskwɑː.lər/
UK/ˈskwɒl.ə/
a very dirty and unpleasant condition, usually because of poverty or neglect
In context
Thousands of families lived in squalor in the crowded slums by the river.
The inspectors were shocked by the squalor of the rented rooms.
She grew up in squalor but became a successful architect.
Words that go with squalor
verb + preposition
- live in squalorNo child should have to live in squalor.
- sink into squalorThe neighborhood began to sink into squalor after the factories closed.
- rise out of squalorFew people can rise out of squalor without help.
noun + preposition
- conditions of squalorThe report describes conditions of squalor in the camps.
adjective + noun
- abject squalorThey survived in abject squalor.
noun + noun
- squalor and povertyThe film shows the squalor and poverty of the old district.