noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

blight

blyt

Blight (noun) means a plant disease, often caused by fungus, that causes rapid browning and death of leaves or stems. Example: “Potato blight devastated crops across the region that year.”

noun

A plant disease, often caused by fungus, that causes rapid browning and death of leaves or stems.

"Potato blight devastated crops across the region that year."

Something that damages or holds back growth, development, or quality of life.

"Poverty remains a blight on the community."

"Urban blight has left entire streets of the city abandoned."

verb

To damage or spoil the growth or development of something.

"The scandal blighted his reputation for years."

How to use blight

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA disease that ruins plants, or more broadly, anything that spoils or holds back growth and prosperity.

Common pairings

urban blight potato blight blight on society

Word forms

blighted past tense, blights plural, blight plural, blighted plural, blights singular, blight singular, blighted singular, blightest singular, blightedst singular, blighteth singular

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Can you complete this real example?

Potato _____ devastated crops across the region that year.

Etymology

Origin uncertain, but likely related to an Old English word meaning "to shine or grow pale" — possibly linked to the same root as "bleak."

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for blight

ight night right fight light might tight sight wight knight bright flight

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Frequently asked questions

What does “blight” mean?

The word “blight” means a plant disease, often caused by fungus, that causes rapid browning and death of leaves or stems. In plain terms, a disease that ruins plants, or more broadly, anything that spoils or holds back growth and prosperity.

How do you pronounce “blight”?

“Blight” is pronounced blyt (/blaɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “blight” in a sentence?

Here is “blight” used in a sentence: “Potato blight devastated crops across the region that year.”

What part of speech is “blight”?

Depending on how it is used, “blight” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “blight” come from?

The word “blight” comes from Old English. Origin uncertain, but likely related to an Old English word meaning "to shine or grow pale" — possibly linked to the same root as "bleak.".

Is “blight” a common word?

“Blight” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “blight” have?

“Blight” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a plant disease, often caused by fungus, that causes rapid browning and death of leaves or stems.