Meaning & use

dilapidated

adjective·Academic

In a state of disrepair or ruin, typically because of age, neglect, or lack of maintenance.

See it in a sentence

The dilapidated barn had a collapsed roof and walls covered in ivy.

Investors bought the dilapidated hotel, planning to restore it to its former glory.

A note on using this word

Dilapidated specifically implies neglect over time, rather than sudden damage from an accident or disaster.

Words with a similar meaning

rundowndecrepitramshackle

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

pristinewell-maintained

Make it your own

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