noun
the older and more populated and (usually) poorer central section of a city (Freq. 2)
• Part Holonyms: ↑city, ↑metropolis, ↑urban center
* * *
noun, pl ⋯ cities [count]
: the central section of a large city where mostly poor people live
The mayor is trying to attract new businesses to the inner city.
inner-city adj, always used before a noun
inner-city kids/neighborhoods/schools/crime
* * *
the part near the centre of a large city, which often has social problems
•
There are huge problems in our inner cities.
•
an inner-city
area/schoolUseful english dictionary. 2012.