squalid

/ˈskwɒlɪd/ (bre, ipa) · [skwˈɑləd] /ˈskwɑːlɪd/ (ame, ipa) · [skwˈɑləd] /ˈskwä-ləd How to pronounce squalid (audio)/ (ame, mw)

squalid — adjective

  • squalidpositive
  • more squalidcomparative
  • most squalidsuperlative

1. describes a room, flat, street, or other living space that is filthy, badly kept

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes a room, flat, street, or other living space that is filthy, badly kept, and miserable to be in, especially when people lack the money or care to clean and repair it properly.

例句

Sven grew up in a squalid flat with mould on every wall.

squalid + flat/room/shelter for neglected living places

The reporter photographed children playing beside a squalid alley full of rubbish.

同義詞
  • filthy

    focuses on heavy dirt itself, without the idea of poverty or neglect

  • run-down

    stresses poor repair and decay more than dirt

  • grimy

    usually describes surfaces covered with dirt or grease

反義詞
  • clean

    free from dirt or mess

  • decent

    acceptable, respectable, and fit for living in

用法筆記

Usually modifies homes, shelters, streets, or living conditions rather than a single dirty object. Stronger and more social than 'dirty' because it suggests neglect, hardship, and misery together.

常見錯誤

❌My shoes were squalid after the hike.
✅My shoes were filthy after the hike.
💡'squalid' is mainly for places or living conditions, not ordinary dirty objects.

2. describes behaviour, entertainment, or a situation that feels shamefully low and

2.形容詞C2
釋義

describes behaviour, entertainment, or a situation that feels shamefully low and degrading, often because it is tied to sex, drugs, or dishonest dealing.

例句

Police found teenagers at a squalid party with pills on the floor.

squalid + party/scene/affair for degraded activity

The film follows a singer trapped in a squalid world of drugs.

同義詞
  • sordid

    very close, but even more common in serious writing about moral ugliness

  • seedy

    more informal and often used for nightlife or shabby districts

  • sleazy

    emphasises sexual or dishonest low behaviour

反義詞

用法筆記

Usually modifies a situation, affair, party, or trade, not a person's whole character. Distinguish from sense 1 by the focus: moral ugliness or degraded activity rather than physical dirt.

常見錯誤

❌The salesman gave me a squalid answer.
✅The salesman was involved in a squalid deal.
💡sense 2 describes degraded situations or activities, not just any rude response.