urban sprawl

noun

1. the uncontrolled spread of urban development into neighboring regions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of urban sprawl¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

From the urban sprawl of Houston to the riverways of Virginia, air pollution from industrial plants is elevating the cancer risk of an estimated quarter of a million Americans to a level the federal government considers unacceptable.

From ProPublica

Convenient to the more scenic western section of Saguaro National Park, Sadie’s Retreat is an excellent family-friendly place to hang your hat in Tuscon, without feeling stuck in urban sprawl.

From Outside Online

New bridges improved connectivity between the two banks of the Thames, and a new railway network spurred urban sprawl.

From Washington Post

We make it more and more difficult all the time by urban sprawl.

From Popular-Science

Our city centers continue to expand with development and urban sprawl, which means human infringement on animal habitat continues.

From Popular-Science

Its reliance on single-use zoning, for instance, can make it seem like urban sprawl is the only way for cities to grow.

From The Daily Beast

But many more are being ruined by the steady advance of standard urban sprawl.

From Project Gutenberg