hellhole

American  

[hel-hohl] / ˈhɛlˌhoʊl /

noun

1. a place totally lacking in comfort, cleanliness, order, etc.

2. a place or establishment noted for its illegal or immoral practices.

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hellhole British  

/ ˈhɛlˌhəʊl /

noun

1. an unpleasant or evil place

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Etymology

Origin of hellhole

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; hell, hole

Example Sentences

A disco ball, aka “myriad reflector,” can turn any trashy hellhole into a party space, especially if you don’t look too closely.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I couldn’t sleep knowing that animals were just in those hellholes suffering,” said Dains, who now works at a shelter system in Sacramento.

From Los Angeles Times

One can only imagine what's happening to them in that dystopian hellhole of a prison.

From Salon

What also remains true: The place can be a hellhole for hitters.

From Seattle Times

And if you think all indoor destinations for young people are sticky, smelly, depressing hellholes, check your assumptions at the unmarked front door.

From New York Times