squalor

noun

squa·​lor ˈskwä-lər How to pronounce squalor (audio)
 also  ˈskwā-,
 or  ˈskwȯ-
: the quality or state of being squalid

Examples of squalor in a Sentence

The family was living in squalor. I was shocked by the squalor of their surroundings.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
They are often banned from visiting temples and forced to live apart from higher-caste communities, often in squalor and farther from access to services. Esha Mitra, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025 The writer-director revisits an idea that worked well in his screenplay for 2002’s Chicago — paralleling squalor and splendor, with central characters stuck in grim reality seeking escape through Golden Age Hollywood musical fantasy. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 Bryant was arrested on Friday after sheriff's deputies found three of her children living in squalor in a condominium. Gina Kaufman, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025 Residents of the building, which is owned by an affiliate of CBZ Management, all moved out by Tuesday under a closure order, but, until then, many had laid their heads to sleep in squalor. Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for squalor

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from squalēre

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of squalor was in 1621

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squalor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squalor. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

squalor

noun
squa·​lor ˈskwäl-ər How to pronounce squalor (audio)
: filthy or degraded conditions resulting from neglect or lack of money

More from Merriam-Webster on squalor

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