Ghetto

usgb/ˈɡetəʊ/
noun

A poor part of a city where people of the same race or background live.

He grew up in the ghettos of New York City.
Visual representation of "ghetto" - A poor part of a city where people of the same race or background live

Often appears as...

  • urban ghetto
  • living in the ghetto

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "ghetto"
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Negative Connotation

Often implies poverty, crime, and segregation, used carefully to avoid offense.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
She volunteered to help improve living conditions in the ghetto.
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Not Interchangeable

Not a synonym for 'poor'; refers specifically to a dense, urban area.

Illustration for Not Interchangeable
The rent in the ghetto was still high despite the poor living conditions.
Visual representation of the word "Ghetto"

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