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.

Closer to home, securing a deal in Venezuela would endear Exxon to President Trump, who is pushing for U.S. energy companies to invest $100 billion to repair the country’s dilapidated oil-and-gas infrastructure.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

The government says it has run out of diesel and fuel oil needed to power the generators that supplement the electricity production of its dilapidated power plants.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

It identified three other projects, including the rehabilitation of the historic but dilapidated Wadsworth Chapel, that would be funded by redirecting $212 million from previous authorizations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

But to many in the neighbourhood, one house always stood out: The dilapidated red-shuttered house with green-lined windows is just a block away from Joe, who moved into the neighbourhood with his then-wife in 1995.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Jinx gripped the handlebars of a dilapidated bicycle and shuddered in the midmorning breeze as he waited for Ned to emerge from the mine shaft.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

Vocabulary lists containing dilapidated

Grade 10, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Tangerine

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Maze Runner

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!