distressed area

American  

noun

1. a region so severely damaged by a flood, hurricane, or other natural catastrophe that its inhabitants need food, clothing, shelter, and economic aid from national charities or the federal government.

2. depressed area.

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Etymology

Origin of distressed area

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The city is using a transfer of development rights as the carrot — meaning if you build here in this difficult, distressed area, we’ll grant you some opportunities over there.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2023

A day later, Ms. Hochul, during a breakfast with legislators at the governor’s mansion in Albany, spoke optimistically about the potential job creation bonanza in the economically distressed area.

From New York Times • May 30, 2022

Much of the area east of Old Dominion University, known as Highland Park, is designated by the state as an “enterprise zone,” an economically distressed area in need of revitalization.

From Washington Times • Jun. 20, 2020

To be sure, experts say, the changing of the guard that accompanies gentrification isn’t on its face negative: Who doesn’t want a distressed area re-energized with fresh workers and a higher tax base?

From Washington Times • Apr. 16, 2016

The police at once gave them right-of-way in the distressed area.

From The Angel Adjutant of "Twice Born Men" by Carpenter, Minnie Lindsay Rowell