run-down

[ ruhn-doun ]

adjective

1. fatigued; weary; exhausted.
2. in a state of poor health:

   He was in a run-down condition from months of overwork.

3. in neglected condition; fallen into disrepair:

   a run-down house.

   Synonyms: shabby, tacky, seedy

4. (of a spring-operated device) not running because it is unwound.

run down

verb

1. to cause or allow (an engine, battery, etc) to lose power gradually and cease to function or (of an engine, battery, etc) to do this
2. to decline or reduce in number or size

   the firm ran down its sales force

3. tr, usually passive to tire, sap the strength of, or exhaust

   he was thoroughly run down and needed a holiday

4. tr to criticize adversely; denigrate; decry
5. tr to hit and knock to the ground with a moving vehicle
6. nautical
   1. tr to collide with and cause to sink
   2. intr, preposition to navigate so as to move parallel to (a coast)
7. tr to pursue and find or capture

   to run down a fugitive

8. tr to read swiftly or perfunctorily

   he ran down their list of complaints

adjective

1. tired; exhausted
2. worn-out, shabby, or dilapidated

noun

1. a brief review, résumé, or summary
2. the process of a motor or mechanism coming gradually to a standstill after the source of power is removed
3. a reduction in number or size

Word History and Origins

Origin of run-down¹

First recorded in 1675–85; adj. use of verb phrase run down

Example Sentences

In response, Pennycook said: "The government certainly recognises the pressures on local authorities and the burdens placed on households as a result of 14 years in which local government was run down."

From BBC

If he stayed he would have to renew, but they were struggling to agree on financial demands and Chelsea were never going to allow his contract to run down.

From BBC

A leap and run down the touchline before pumping his fists towards the fans in ecstasy.

From BBC

Wednesday and Thursday were spent at a business I help run down here, tearing out and replacing water-damaged insulation and ceiling tiles, hauling ruined stuff to the trash, and cleaning every surface over and over again.

From Slate

The seconds it took to run down those stairs and find her on the hardwood floor, not knowing if she was alive, will forever haunt my husband and me.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• broken-down
• crumbling
• decrepit
• derelict
• deserted
• desolate
• dilapidated
• dingy
• neglected
• ramshackle
• rickety
• seedy
• tacky