Squalid

Squalid refers to a state of being extremely dirty, filthy, or neglected, often as a result of poverty, neglect, or a lack of care and hygiene. It can describe living conditions, environments, or situations that are characterized by a lack of cleanliness and a general sense of decay. The term often carries connotations of moral degradation and social neglect.

Squalid meaning with examples

• The family was forced to live in a squalid apartment, with peeling paint and a persistent odor of mildew that made it difficult to breathe. Despite their best efforts to clean the place, the grime and clutter seemed overwhelming, reflecting their struggle against economic hardships and limited resources. The children's health was at risk in such an unwelcoming environment.
• During the humanitarian mission, volunteers discovered a squalid refugee camp where hundreds of families lived in cramped tents. The ground was muddy and littered with trash, and there was a severe lack of sanitation facilities. Witnessing the desperation and suffering of those individuals motivated the volunteers to provide aid and improve the living conditions as quickly as possible.
• The documentary highlighted the squalid conditions of the neglected urban area, where trash piled up on the streets and the buildings stood in decay. The filmmakers aimed to raise awareness about the neglect faced by residents, many of whom struggled to make ends meet while living in such dismal surroundings. Their plight was a powerful indictment of systemic failure.
• As the health inspectors entered the restaurant, they were immediately struck by the squalid conditions in the kitchen. The floors were sticky with grease, and the smell of spoiled food was overpowering. They knew it was imperative to shut down the establishment before patrons could fall ill from the unsanitary practices that thrived behind the scenes.
• The late-night scene at the abandoned warehouse was squalid, filled with broken glass and graffiti-covered walls that told stories of neglect. Stray animals roamed the grounds, looking for scraps, while the lack of lighting intensified the feeling of danger. Ghostly traces of what used to be a vibrant community now lay buried beneath a layer of filth and despair.