decrepit

[ dih-krep-it ]

adjective

1. weakened by old age; feeble; infirm:

   a decrepit man who can hardly walk.

   Antonyms: vigorous

2. worn out by long use; dilapidated:

   a decrepit stove.

decrepit

/ dɪˈkrɛpɪt /

adjective

1. enfeebled by old age; infirm
2. broken down or worn out by hard or long use; dilapidated

Derived Forms

• deˈcrepiˌtude, noun
• deˈcrepitly, adverb

Other Words From

• de·crepit·ly adverb
• de·crepit·ness noun
• unde·crepit adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrepit¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin dēcrepitus, literally, “broken down,” equivalent to dē- de- + crep(āre) “to crack” + -i- -i- + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrepit¹

C15: from Latin dēcrepitus, from crepāre to creak

Synonym Study

See weak.

Example Sentences

Residents are paying the price in higher liability payouts and embarrassingly decrepit streets, sidewalks and other public works.

From Los Angeles Times

Pozzo and Lucky return in Act II in a more decrepit state.

From Los Angeles Times

“City and county employees are still hard at work in their office spaces but they’re tired, old, sometimes decrepit and oftentimes no longer up to code in terms of earthquake” safety requirements.

From Los Angeles Times

Its air force is old and decrepit, its air defences are porous and it has had to contend with years of Western sanctions.

From BBC

Security was so lax in the decrepit prison that Kanu stayed in contact with his outlawed group on the phone and through messages, helping them come in, police alleged.

From BBC

Related Words

• battered
• broken-down
• creaky
• dilapidated
• feeble
• flimsy
• frail
• infirm
• ramshackle
• rickety
• run down
• seedy
• shabby