Dilapidated

duh-lap-uh-day-tid

/ dɪˈlæpɪˌdeɪtɪd /

Adjective

Meaning

  • Dilapidated describes something, especially a building or structure, that is in a state of severe disrepair or ruin due to age, neglect, or lack of maintenance.
  • It often appears broken down, decayed, or unsafe to use.

Examples

  • The dilapidated house on the corner was abandoned years ago.
  • They stayed in a dilapidated hotel that needed urgent renovation.
  • The old fence had become dilapidated after years of harsh weather.
  • The school building was declared unsafe because it was dilapidated.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms Antonyms
Run-down Ruined Shabby Decayed Neglected Crumbling Ramshackle Broken-down Well-maintained Renovated Restored New Strong Sturdy

Word Forms

  • Dilapidate (verb) – to cause something to fall into ruin (rare)
  • Dilapidation (noun) – the state of being dilapidated
  • Dilapidatedly (adverb) – in a run-down condition (rare)

Origin / Etymology

From Latin dilapidare meaning “to demolish” or “to throw stones,” derived from lapis meaning “stone.” It originally suggested buildings falling apart as if stones are being thrown off.

Grammar Information

  • Used to describe nouns, typically buildings or structures.
  • Often used with linking verbs such as “be,” “seem,” or “look.”
    Example: The barn looks dilapidated.

Translations

  • Hindi: जर्जर (Jarjar)
  • Spanish: deteriorado / ruinoso
  • French: délabré
  • German: verfallen
  • Arabic: متهالك (Mutahalik)
  • Chinese (Mandarin): 破旧的 (pòjiù de)
  • Japanese: 老朽化した (Rōkyōka shita)

Idioms & Phrases

  • A shadow of its former self – something that has lost its original quality or condition.
  • Fall into ruin – to become dilapidated over time.

Related Words

  • Ruin
  • Decay
  • Deteriorate
  • Crumble
  • Derelict
  • Decrepit