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blight

BLYT /blaɪt/

nounverbC1GRESATUPSC

literaryformal

A state of deterioration, decay, or ruin affecting urban areas; or something that spoils or damages growth.

Refers to visible physical decay, abandoned properties, and economic stagnation in land or neighborhoods.

The story behind the word. Originally an agricultural term describing mysterious fungal diseases that withered crops overnight. In the mid-20th century, urban planners borrowed 'blight' to describe districts where economic activity withered away.

Word relationships

decay: Decay is a natural biological or structural breaking down, whereas blight highlights visible social or economic ruin.
dilapidation: Dilapidation specifically refers to physical damage to buildings, while blight covers broader urban district decline.

rejuvenation: Rejuvenation means restoring vigor, prosperity, and clean infrastructure to an area.

Commonly confused with

blight vs slum: A slum is an overcrowded residential area with poor housing; urban blight refers to general decay, ruin, and abandonment.

Word family

blighted (adjective): Suffering from urban decay or environmental damage.

Collocations

urban blight
blight on the neighborhood
clear urban blight
blighted district

Example sentences

"The departure of manufacturing industries left behind severe urban blight, with dozens of vacant factories falling into disrepair." Urban Renewal Project

Memory hook

Blight sounds like 'black light'—bringing darkness and decay to a bright neighborhood. Plant blight rots crops; urban blight rots cities.

When not to use

Do not use to describe temporary tidiness problems like simple uncollected litter.

Fun facts

During the 1950s 'Urban Renewal' era, cities used official 'blight designations' to seize property under eminent domain.