Squalid – 1. Extremely dirty and unpleasant 2. showing a lack of moral standards

(Pronounced skwo-lid (first syllable sounds like squa as in squash))

To remember the definition of the word squalid, use the following mnemonic:

The boys were squabbling over the container when the lid (squalid) came off, making the room dirty and unpleasant. Neither would own up to it, showing a lack of moral standards.

Examples of squalid in a sentence (dirty and unpleasant)

During the war, many soldiers were forced to live in squalid camps with scarce water and food.

Mary has never forgotten her early years in the squalid one-bedroom apartment, even though she is now a wealthy woman who lives in a mansion.

The kidnapper held the girl captive in a squalid shed.

Examples of squalid in a sentence (lacking moral standards)

He was a squalid man who thought nothing of tripping old people and kicking puppies.

The squalid woman often stole food from the supermarket.

I can't believe they just called me squalid, I always help the needy and give to charity!