The term "urban decay" refers to the process by which a city or urban area falls into disrepair, decline and neglect. This can be due to various factors such as economic stagnation, population flight, lack of investment in infrastructure, crime rates, and other social issues that contribute to the deterioration of buildings, neighborhoods, and public spaces. Urban decay is often associated with poverty, unemployment, and a general sense of hopelessness among residents. The phrase can also be used more broadly to describe any kind of societal or cultural decline in an urban setting.