Meaning & use
more dilapidated
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“more dilapidated” is a form of “dilapidated”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
adjectivecomparable
In a worse condition than something else, especially of a building or object that is old and falling apart.
Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: a more dilapidated house; the house is more dilapidated than the barn.
Patterns
- more dilapidated than something
- the more dilapidated of the two
- become more dilapidated
The old school is more dilapidated than the church next door, with broken windows and a leaking roof.
After years of neglect, the hotel became more dilapidated than any other building on the street.
They chose the more dilapidated of the two cottages because it was cheaper to buy.
Word forms
| positive | dilapidated |
|---|---|
| superlative | most dilapidated |
Common combinations
- more dilapidated than
- The eastern wing is more dilapidated than the main hall.
- become more dilapidated
- Without repairs, the pier will become more dilapidated each winter.
- the more dilapidated of
- She rented the more dilapidated of the two flats.
- look more dilapidated
- The car looked more dilapidated after the accident.
Synonyms and how they differ
- more run-down
- Similar in meaning but often used for neighborhoods or businesses; 'more dilapidated' suggests a more advanced state of decay.
- more ramshackle
- Suggests something badly built or likely to fall down; 'more dilapidated' focuses on the result of age and neglect.
Opposites
Word family
- dilapidated adjective
- In a state of disrepair; falling apart.
- dilapidation noun
- The state of being broken down or falling apart.
Commonly confused: more dilapidated or dilapidated?
more dilapidated vs dilapidated
The base form means 'in bad condition'. 'More dilapidated' compares two things, so it needs 'than' or a clear comparison.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'more dilapidated' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 0 is correct because 'more dilapidated' is used for comparison and is followed by 'than'. Option 1 is incomplete because it lacks a comparison. Option 2 is wrong because 'dilapidateder' is not a word. Option 3 is wrong because 'most' is superlative, not comparative, and cannot be used with 'than'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “more dilapidated”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.