blighted

adjective

blight·​ed ˈblī-təd How to pronounce blighted (audio)
1
botany : affected with blight (see blight entry 1 sense 1)
a blighted plant
This pathogen causes blighted flowers, heavy leaf spotting, and the death of young, green shoots.Elsie Cox
2
: in a badly damaged or deteriorated condition
a blighted landscape
a blighted city
… the physicians who work here in some of the nation's most blighted neighborhoods …Malcolm Gladwell
3
: made ineffectual : defeated or frustrated
blighted dreams
At every point we are confronted with shattered promises, blighted hopes, irreconcilable dilemmas, good intentions gone astray …Gertrude Himmelfarb

Examples of blighted in a Sentence

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.
From the start, the idea was to revitalize Eagle Crest Plaza, which became blighted due to years of neglect and deterioration by rainwater detention. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025 In Detroit, arborists are planting dozens of giant sequoia saplings in a blighted area in hopes of creating an urban forest that will clean the air, provide shade and, overall, improve residents’ quality of life. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 May 2025 There was a program launched by the mayor and Maryland's governor at the time, Larry Hogan, to demolish vacant buildings and rebuild blighted blocks. Sarah Handel, NPR, 26 Apr. 2025 These districts are intended to focus local resources on reviving blighted communities by re-investing increases in property tax revenue back into the district that the agency serves. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blighted

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blighted was in 1665

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Cite this Entry

“Blighted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blighted. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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