ˌinner ˈcity noun (plural inner cities) [countable]
the part near the middle of a city, especially where the buildings are in a bad condition and the people are poor:
the problems of our inner cities
—inner-city adjective:
inner-city schools

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

See main entry: inner city

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

inner city
n., colloquial Densely populated neighborhoods in large metropolitan areas inhabited by low income families usually of minority backgrounds, such as Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, or African Americans; characterized by slums and government-owned high rises.
Joe comes from the inner city
■ he may need help with his reading.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲