distressed area

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of distressed area¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

In December, Youngkin pulled Virginia out of the running for a $3.5 billion Ford plant in an economically distressed area near Danville because the electric vehicle battery factory would use Chinese technology, calling the project “a front for the Chinese Communist Party.”

From Washington Post

Republicans introduced a stack of bills aimed at China at Youngkin’s behest, following the governor’s decision to pull Virginia out of the running for a $3.5 billion Ford plant in an economically distressed area near Danville because the electric-vehicle battery factory would use Chinese technology.

From Washington Post

Republicans quickly pivoted, introducing bills aimed at thwarting Chinese interests and defending Youngkin’s decision to pull Virginia out of the running for a $3.5 billion Ford plant in an economically distressed area near Danville because the electric-vehicle battery factory would use Chinese technology.

From Washington Post

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

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