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

Neighborhood-based job training and placement services would help people living in distressed areas.

From MIT Technology Review

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

From Project Gutenberg