squalor

noun

squa·​lor ˈskwä-lər 

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

But by the nineteen-seventies the establishment had become a symbol of the city’s financial squalor. — Kai Bird, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

The children reportedly lived in squalor and weren’t enrolled in school. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026

Reform and Restore are no doubt relying on support from pockets of deprivation, squalor and neglect in Makerfield. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 18 June 2026

Authorities say all of the animals were found living in squalor. — Grace Bellinghausen, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from squalēre

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for squalor

• caller
• choler
• collar
• crawler
• dollar
• faller
• haller
• hauler
• holler
• scholar
• smaller
• taller

Kids Definition

squalor

noun

squa·​lor ˈskwäl-ər 

: filthy or degraded conditions resulting from neglect or lack of money