SLUM Meaning and
Definition
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A slum is an area or neighborhood characterized by extremely poor living conditions, inadequate infrastructure, and overcrowded, dilapidated housing. It is typically inhabited by individuals or families living in extreme poverty, often deprived of basic amenities like clean water, proper sanitation, electricity, and access to education and healthcare facilities. Slums are prevalent in developing countries, particularly in urban regions, where rapid urbanization and a lack of affordable housing contribute to their formation.
The housing units in a slum are usually makeshift, constructed from unconventional materials such as corrugated iron sheets, cardboard, or plastic sheets, lacking proper ventilation and insulation. These dwellings are often cramped, with multiple families sharing a single room, leading to severe overcrowding. Slums are characterized by high population density, as people struggling with poverty flock to these areas, driven by economic necessity.
Living conditions in slums are synonymous with numerous social issues including crime, limited access to clean drinking water, improper waste management leading to unsanitary conditions, and prevalence of diseases due to unhygienic environments. Slum dwellers often face discrimination and limited opportunities for social mobility and economic advancement.
Efforts to improve living conditions in slums involve providing basic amenities, such as clean water, sanitation facilities, and improved housing infrastructure. Additionally, initiatives focusing on education and healthcare are crucial for the residents' well-being and development, aiming to address the cycle of poverty perpetuated by slum conditions.
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A dark retreat; the low neighbourhood or back streets of a city, containing a poor, degraded, and vicious population.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SLUM *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SLUM
Etymology of SLUM
The word "slum" originated in England in the early 19th century. Its precise etymology is uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from the Irish word "sluma" meaning "dirty, untidy", which first appeared in English dialects with a similar meaning. It is also possible that "slum" was influenced by the Norwegian word "slumpe" meaning "to fall or sink". The rapid urbanization and growth of impoverished and overcrowded areas in cities led to the adoption of the term to describe such areas. Over time, "slum" came to denote a neglected, densely populated neighborhood characterized by substandard housing and impoverished living conditions.
Idioms with the word SLUM
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slum it
The idiom "slum it" means to temporarily live or stay in a place that is considered lower in standard or quality compared to one's usual lifestyle. It often implies willingly or knowingly immersing oneself in a less luxurious or comfortable environment for a specific purpose or experience.
Similar spelling words for SLUM
Conjugate verb Slum
CONDITIONAL
I
would slum
you
would slum
he/she/it
would slum
we
would slum
they
would slum
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be slumming
you
would be slumming
he/she/it
would be slumming
we
would be slumming
they
would be slumming
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have slum
you
would have slum
he/she/it
would have slum
we
would have slum
they
would have slum
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been slumming
you
would have been slumming
he/she/it
would have been slumming
we
would have been slumming
they
would have been slumming
FUTURE
I
will slum
you
will slum
he/she/it
will slum
we
will slum
they
will slum
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be slumming
you
will be slumming
he/she/it
will be slumming
we
will be slumming
they
will be slumming
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have slummed
you
will have slummed
he/she/it
will have slummed
we
will have slummed
they
will have slummed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been slumming
you
will have been slumming
he/she/it
will have been slumming
we
will have been slumming
they
will have been slumming
IMPERATIVE
you
slum
we
let´s slum
to slum
PAST
I
slummed
you
slummed
he/she/it
slummed
we
slummed
they
slummed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was slumming
you
were slumming
he/she/it
was slumming
we
were slumming
they
were slumming
PAST PARTICIPLE
slummed
PAST PERFECT
I
had slummed
you
had slummed
he/she/it
had slummed
we
had slummed
they
had slummed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been slumming
you
had been slumming
he/she/it
had been slumming
we
had been slumming
they
had been slumming
PRESENT
I
slum
you
slum
he/she/it
slums
we
slum
they
slum
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am slumming
you
are slumming
he/she/it
is slumming
we
are slumming
they
are slumming
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
slumming
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have slummed
you
have slummed
he/she/it
has slummed
we
have slummed
they
have slummed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been slumming
you
have been slumming
he/she/it
has been slumming
we
have been slumming
they
have been slumming
I
would have slummed
we
would have slummed
you
would have slummed
he/she/it
would have slummed
they
would have slummed
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