hellhole
5 synonyms for hellhole, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A place marked by extreme misery, squalor, or unpleasantness.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
the pits
snake pit
hell on earth
Etymology
A straightforward compound of "hell" and "hole," first recorded in the 1800s.
Full origin of hellhole →Frequently asked questions
What does “hellhole” mean?
The word “hellhole” means a place marked by extreme misery, squalor, or unpleasantness. In plain terms, a truly miserable or unpleasant place to be.
How do you pronounce “hellhole”?
“Hellhole” is pronounced HEHL-hohl (/ˈhɛlˌhoʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “hellhole” in a sentence?
Here is “hellhole” used in a sentence: “The old prison was described by inmates as a hellhole.”
What part of speech is “hellhole”?
“Hellhole” is a noun.
Where does the word “hellhole” come from?
The word “hellhole” dates back to around 1800. A straightforward compound of "hell" and "hole," first recorded in the 1800s.
