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Definitions

run down

[ruhn-doun] / ˈrʌnˈdaʊn /
VERB
ridicule
Synonyms
STRONGEST
knock
WEAK
belittle criticize decry defame denigrate depreciate derogate detract diminish disparage dispraise downcry make fun of opprobriate revile speak ill of vilify
Antonyms
WEAK
praise
ADJECTIVE
shabby, in bad shape
Synonyms
STRONGEST
broken-down crumbling decrepit derelict deserted desolate dilapidated dingy neglected ramshackle rickety seedy tacky
WEAK
abandoned beat up below par debilitated dog-eared down-at-the-heel drained enervated exhausted fatigued forsaken frowzy in a bad way old out of condition peaked ratty tattered tired tumble-down uncared-for under the weather unhealthy untended used-up weak weary worn-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
nice populated sound stable used
WEAK
OK fresh good healthy
run-down
ADJECTIVE
shabby, in bad shape
Synonyms
STRONGEST
broken-down crumbling decrepit derelict deserted desolate dilapidated dingy neglected ramshackle rickety seedy tacky
WEAK
abandoned beat-up below par debilitated dog-eared down-at-the-heel drained enervated exhausted fatigued forsaken frowzy in a bad way old out of condition peaked ratty tattered tired tumble-down uncared-for under the weather unhealthy untended used up weak weary worn-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
nice populated sound stable used
WEAK
OK fresh good healthy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Wolf, a construction worker who lived with his mother and aunt in a run-down apartment complex off Foothill Boulevard, vented in Instagram comments about the city’s handling of the homelessness crisis.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

On either side lie two run-down empty tower blocks, replete with broken windows and walls blackened by fire damage.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Upgrading the country’s run-down oil infrastructure is likely to take years and carries significant uncertainty, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

It lurks in the halls of famed institutions and the parking lots of dreary, run-down wharfs.

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2025

I'll just tell you about this madman stuff that happened to me around last Christmas just before I got pretty run-down and had to come out here and take it easy.

From "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger