squalor

[/ˈskwɒlər/ (British) /ˈskwɑːlər/ (American)]
noun
sordidez
1. The state of being extremely dirty, filthy, or degraded; foul or loathsome conditions
The apartment was in absolute squalor, with garbage piled high and walls covered in grime.
O apartamento estava em completa sordidez, com lixo acumulado e paredes cobertas de sujeira.
2. A condition of misery and wretchedness, often associated with poverty
The refugees lived in squalor in the overcrowded camp.
Os refugiados viviam em sordidez no acampamento superlotado.
3. Moral degradation or depravity
He sank into squalor after abandoning his principles.
Ele desceu à sordidez após abandonar seus princípios.
The word 'squalor' is frequently used in English literature and journalism to describe impoverished urban conditions, particularly in social commentary. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'sordidez' carries similar weight in discussing social issues and poverty. The term often appears in discussions of housing crises, slums (favelas in Brazil), and humanitarian concerns.
NYC Slang
grimy conditions; living in filth
Synonyms / Sinônimos
filthdirtgrimesordidnesswretchednessdegradationmiseryuncleanliness
Antonyms / Antônimos
cleanlinesspurityspotlessnesshygienedignity

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sordidez
Most common translation; widely understood and used
General Brazilian
miséria
Used to emphasize extreme poverty and miserable conditions
General Brazilian
sujeita
Informal/colloquial; emphasizes dirtiness aspect
Portugal
sordidez
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; standard usage
Portugal
imundícia
More literary; emphasizes filth and uncleanliness

Related Words

squalidfilthygrimypovertydegradationwretchednessdestitution

Related Idioms & Phrases

to live in squalor
to sink into squalor
squalor and misery
the squalor of poverty
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