Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
shantytown
Noun
/ˈʃæntiˌtaʊn/
Definition
A shantytown is a settlement of improvised housing, typically located on the outskirts of a city and characterized by poverty and lack of infrastructure.
Examples
- She grew up in a shantytown on the outskirts of the city.
- The government is working on plans to improve living conditions in shantytowns.
- Many people in shantytowns struggle to access basic healthcare and education.
Meaning
Shantytowns consist of makeshift homes and are often populated by people who have been displaced or are unable to afford better housing. These areas are usually informal and lack basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity.
Synonyms
- Squatter settlement
- Slum
- Informal settlement
