Urban sprawl, a type of urban development, is seen as harmful due to its negative impacts on society, economy, and the environment. It involves unplanned expansion of cities, leading to increased resource consumption. To combat this, urban growth management strategies have been put in place. Sustainable urban development, on the other hand, aims for integrated cities with higher densities. Urban sprawl, with its scattered and leapfrogging nature, poses a threat to sustainable development by spreading cities outwards rapidly. This article reviews the characteristics and consequences of urban sprawl, highlighting its detrimental effects on sustainable development.