Blighted

The word 'blighted' describes something that has been damaged or impaired, often by disease, pests, or adverse environmental conditions. It can also refer to something that has been ruined or spoiled, either physically or metaphorically, affecting its growth, development, or overall state. The term implies a loss of potential or value, rendering something unproductive, barren, or undesirable. It suggests a negative impact that hinders progress or flourishing. The context determines whether 'blighted' refers to physical decay, social decay, or a decline in an abstract concept like hope or opportunity.

Blighted meaning with examples

• The drought blighted the crops, leaving the fields barren and the farmers facing financial ruin. The disease ravaged the orchards, leaving only blighted fruit unfit for sale. Many houses suffered significant damage from the storm and now sit as blighted properties.
• The once vibrant city center, now marred by abandoned buildings, experienced a blighted urban landscape with a sharp rise in crime. The unchecked industrial pollution has blighted the local environment, causing respiratory illness in residents. The area of land was blighted by industrial waste.
• His dreams of a successful career were blighted by a series of unfortunate setbacks and poor decisions. The politician's reputation was blighted by a scandal, severely impacting his public image and re-election campaign. The entire town was blighted when the local industry folded.
• Her optimism was blighted by repeated rejection letters, making her question her abilities and her future. The project, plagued by mismanagement, eventually collapsed and was blighted by internal conflicts and infighting. A war can blight a civilization.
• The promise of peace was blighted by renewed conflict, plunging the region back into turmoil. Corruption, greed, and apathy blighted the chances of any meaningful improvements within that organization. The war blighted the economy, leaving many with nothing.