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Synonyms

tumble-down

American  
[tuhm-buhl-doun] / ˈtʌm bəlˌdaʊn /

adjective

  1. dilapidated; ruined; rundown.

    He lived in a tumble-down shack.


Etymology

Origin of tumble-down

First recorded in 1810–20

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.

The actual Los Angeles was a fly-ridden settlement of tumble-down adobes, packs of feral dogs and one of the nation’s highest murder rates.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2022

In the game, agent Milton surrounds the tumble-down property where the gang is camped out with the women and children who travel with them, and challenges the group to come out and surrender.

From Slate • Feb. 1, 2019

The city's High Street was a dirt road then, with tumble-down thatched cottages on one side and hoardings on the other.

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2016

There, the tumble-down shanties would contrast with the cherry blossoms along the Potomac.

From Washington Times • Feb. 19, 2016

Her trunk is remarkable, but still it can’t unlatch the door of her tumble-down domain.

From "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate