blight
A blight refers to a thing that spoils or damages something else, such as a disease that kills plants or a condition that causes urban decay. In a broader academic context, it describes a pervasive negative influence that hinders growth or ruins a reputation.
Examples
3 of 5The abandoned factory has become a blight on the neighborhood, attracting crime and lowering property values.
The derelict building is an eyesore that negatively impacts the local community.
Political corruption is a persistent blight on the nation's efforts to establish a stable democracy.
Illegal activities in government act as a destructive force against democratic progress.
That rusty old van sitting in the front yard is a total blight.
The decaying vehicle is a very ugly thing to look at.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Bad Light'. If a plant gets 'Bad Light' (blight), it withers and dies, and the whole garden looks ugly.
Quick Quiz
The newly constructed highway was criticized by locals as a ______ on the pristine mountain landscape.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blight
Examples
The abandoned factory has become a blight on the neighborhood, attracting crime and lowering property values.
everydayThe derelict building is an eyesore that negatively impacts the local community.
Political corruption is a persistent blight on the nation's efforts to establish a stable democracy.
formalIllegal activities in government act as a destructive force against democratic progress.
That rusty old van sitting in the front yard is a total blight.
informalThe decaying vehicle is a very ugly thing to look at.
Researchers argue that urban blight is a direct consequence of decades of systemic disinvestment.
academicScholars suggest that city deterioration results from a lack of financial input over long periods.
The environmental scandal proved to be a lasting blight on the corporation's public image.
businessThe ecological disaster caused permanent damage to how the public views the company.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a blight on someone's character
a flaw or past action that ruins someone's reputation
to cast a blight on
to spoil or cast a negative shadow over an event or situation
spread like a blight
to damage something quickly and extensively
Often Confused With
Blighty is an informal British term for Britain or 'home', whereas blight is a source of decay.
Bright refers to light or intelligence, while blight refers to darkness, decay, or ruin.
Usage Notes
The word is frequently used in sociological and architectural contexts to discuss 'urban blight.' When used figuratively, it implies a deep-seated problem that is difficult to eradicate.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse its usage as a noun and a verb; as a noun, it is a thing that ruins, while as a verb, it is the act of ruining. Avoid using it for minor, temporary inconveniences.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Bad Light'. If a plant gets 'Bad Light' (blight), it withers and dies, and the whole garden looks ugly.
Word Origin
The word appeared in the mid-16th century, originally referring to atmospheric conditions that caused plants to wither or turn black.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The term 'urban blight' was a central concept in mid-20th century American urban renewal policies, often used to justify the demolition of entire neighborhoods.
Quick Quiz
The newly constructed highway was criticized by locals as a ______ on the pristine mountain landscape.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blight
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
unknown
A1A person or thing that is not known, recognized, or familiar. It often refers to a mysterious situation or a person who has not yet achieved fame or success.
of
A1A preposition used to show a relationship between a part and a whole, or to indicate belonging and origin. It connects a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence to specify which one or what kind.
in
A1A preposition used to indicate position within a container, a space, an area, or a period of time. It describes being surrounded by something or being inside the boundaries of a location.
it
A1A third-person singular pronoun used to refer to an object, animal, or situation that has already been mentioned or is clear from context. It is also frequently used as a dummy subject to talk about time, weather, or distance.
on
A1A preposition used to indicate that something is in a position above and supported by a surface. It is also used to indicate a specific day or date, or to show that a device is functioning.
as
A1A conjunction used to compare two things that are equal in some way. It is most commonly used in the pattern 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show similarity.
this
A1Used to identify a specific person, thing, or idea that is physically close to the speaker or has just been mentioned. It can also refer to the present time or a situation that is currently happening.
by
A1A preposition used to show the method or means of doing something, or to identify the person or thing that performs an action. It frequently appears in passive sentences to indicate the agent or before modes of transport.
we
A1The word 'we' is a first-person plural pronoun used to refer to the speaker and one or more other people collectively. It is used as the subject of a sentence or clause.
or
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives. it indicates that only one of the options is likely, required, or true.
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