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Synonyms

dilapidated

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

adjective

  1. reduced to or fallen into partial ruin or decay, as from age, wear, or neglect.

    Synonyms:
    rickety, ramshackle, run-down

dilapidated British  
/ dɪˈlæpɪˌdeɪtɪd /

adjective

  1. falling to pieces or in a state of disrepair; shabby

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nondilapidated adjective
  • undilapidated adjective

Etymology

Origin of dilapidated

First recorded in 1800–10; dilapidate + -ed 2

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.

Billions of investment is needed to bring the Venezeuela’s dilapidated infrastructure back online, and analysts say it could take years before there’s a meaningful increase in production of the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

From Barron's

Nor did he seek their advice on a plan unveiled the same day to have U.S. energy companies revitalize Venezuela’s dilapidated oil fields with multibillion-dollar investments.

From The Wall Street Journal

The meeting house grows progressively more dilapidated, and the costumes get shabbier, indicating that things aren’t going well for the Puritans.

From The Wall Street Journal

A frame outside the auditorium door displays five photos of the Mayer’s dilapidated conditions in the ’90s, with the theater caked in rust and mold, a shell of the version I’m standing in now.

From Salon

Others say dilapidated infrastructure has limited economic growth.

From The Wall Street Journal