SQUALID

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does squalid mean? 

• SQUALID (adjective)
  The adjective SQUALID has 2 senses:

1. morally degraded

2. foul and run-down and repulsive

  Familiarity information: SQUALID used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SQUALID (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Morally degraded

Synonyms:

seamy; seedy; sleazy; sordid; squalid

Context example:

the squalid atmosphere of intrigue and betrayal

Similar:

disreputable (lacking respectability in character or behavior or appearance)

Derivation:

squalidness (sordid dirtiness)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Foul and run-down and repulsive

Synonyms:

flyblown; sordid; squalid

Context example:

sordid shantytowns

Similar:

dirty; soiled; unclean (soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime)

Derivation:

squalidness (sordid dirtiness)

 Context examples 

I heard of the division of property, of immense wealth and squalid poverty, of rank, descent, and noble blood.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

It opened on to a squalid courtyard.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The picture faded, and before his eyes stretched the disorder of his squalid room.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

He was the keeper of a low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings transform myself into a well-dressed man about town.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The first was a misshapen, squalid man with cruel, cunning eyes and a shock of tangled red hair, bearing in his hands a small unpainted cross, which he held high so that all men might see it.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

As we approached the forbidding and squalid inn, with the sign of a game-cock above the door, Holmes gave a sudden groan, and clutched me by the shoulder to save himself from falling.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I ordered it to be repaired, bought some furniture, and took possession, an incident which would doubtless have occasioned some surprise had not all the senses of the cottagers been benumbed by want and squalid poverty.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)