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Showing results for run down.
Definitions

run-down

[ruhn-doun] / ˈrʌnˈdaʊn /
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
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

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

An unfinished light rail system mired in corruption allegations, a run-down central hospital which patients have described as "hell" and deepening inequality make it feel like a microcosm of the country.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

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

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2025

The town of about 3,500 inhabitants used the law to advance a decade-old scheme of purchasing run-down homes from residents, before withdrawing it after media criticism.

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

Trees pop up along the sidewalks and the run-down apartments turn into houses with nice cars parked in front and fresh-painted trim around the windows.

From "Finding Langston" by Lesa Cline-Ransome

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.