Definitions

dilapidated

[dih-lap-i-dey-tid] / dɪˈlæp ɪˌdeɪ tɪd /

ADJECTIVE

falling apart; in ruins

Synonyms

STRONGEST

battered broken-down crumbling damaged decaying decrepit derelict dingy in ruins neglected ramshackle rickety run down seedy shabby unkempt

STRONG

decayed faded impaired injured marred

WEAK

beat-up crumbly crummy dog-eared fallen-in in a bad way old ratty raunchy rinky-dink shaky slummy tacky threadbare tumble-down uncared-for unimproved used-up worn-out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

OK good healthy neat nice repaired sound stable

WEAK

in good repair rebuilt

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.

Dilapidated buildings and decaying signage may put off the casual observer.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Dilapidated tracks, and a shortage of wagons, cranes, conveyor belts, and trained personnel make up the picture.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2022

Dilapidated tents bound together with rope create strange formations amid the city’s mix of modern and Art Deco architecture.

From Slate • Feb. 7, 2020

Dilapidated campers fill the streets and parking lots every night.

From New York Times • Oct. 8, 2018

But everybody who has seen him, says the Dilapidated One has come back "twice the man he was".

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, November 8, 1890 by Various

Vocabulary lists containing dilapidated

Grade 10, List 2

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