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.
His novels explore the moral squalor of all wars, justified or not. Rav Grewal-Kök june 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2025 The film’s sheer, unrelenting squalor can wear you down, too. Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 19 May 2025 Women gather together, all fully covered in the Islamic niqab, as hundreds of young children from strikingly diverse ethnic backgrounds wander through the squalor. Richard Engel, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025 California’s struggle around homelessness has been a black eye and a contentious soft spot for years, and even the most sympathetic of Californians are tired of the squalor and pain. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 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 21 Jul. 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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