Synonyms for

Ghetto

Verb / ˈgetəʊ / Another word for ghetto — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a part of a city, especially a slum area, occupied by a minority group or groups

Synonyms & similar words

slum shantytown outskirts periphery fringe blight decay dilapidation squalor decay

Synonyms by register

Formal

slum disadvantaged area impoverished district low-income neighborhood

Informal

hood the sticks bad neighborhood tough area

Literary

ghettoized community urban decay zone

Antonyms

affluent prosperous wealthy upscale elite privileged

Common collocations

  • ghetto life
  • ghetto blaster
  • ghetto fabulous
  • inner-city ghetto
  • ghetto housing
  • ghetto poverty
  • ghetto mentality

Word family

noun ghetto
adjective ghetto

Usage note

The term 'ghetto' originally referred to a segregated area for Jewish people. In modern usage, it often carries negative connotations of poverty, crime, and social disadvantage. Be mindful of its sensitive and potentially offensive nature.

Example sentences

  1. The people who lived in the ghetto were often discriminated against.
  2. The ghetto was overcrowded and lacked basic amenities.
  3. Many musicians and artists have come from the ghetto.
  4. The government is trying to improve the conditions in the ghetto.
  5. The ghetto was a place of poverty and despair.

Quotes

  • In the ghetto, you can't just say, 'I'm talented, and I'm strong, and if you believe in yourself, you can do it.' That's just not true.
  • I came from the ghetto, where people who had dreams and aspirations didn't come out.
  • Growing up in the ghetto means having a different perspective on life.

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