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Showing results for run down. Search instead for run-downs/3.
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.

He recalled a drab maze of run-down buildings inside a vast wooded compound whose tedious daily rhythms moved to the whims of wardens that rewarded the cooperative and punished the defiant.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

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

Here is a run-down of what has happened to the family members:

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

AFP gives a run-down of where these data centres are being built, and why:

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

I remember District 8, an ugly urban place stinking of industrial fumes, the people housed in run-down tenements.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

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