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dilapidated

/dɪˈlæpɪdeɪtɪd/
adjective★Intermediate💡 in a state of disrepair
formal

In a state of disrepair or ruin due to age or neglect.

The dilapidated bridge was closed to traffic.

The bridge was too damaged for use.

She inherited a dilapidated farmhouse that needed major repairs.

The farmhouse was in poor condition and required restoration.

💡

Often describes buildings, structures, or objects that are falling apart.

Collocations

dilapidated buildinga structure in poor conditiondilapidated furnitureworn-out or broken furnituredilapidated vehiclea car or machine in bad shape

Synonyms

run-downdecrepitshabbyramshacklebroken-down

Antonyms

pristinewell-maintainedintactnewrenovated

💡Pro Tip

Avoid overusing 'very'

Instead of 'very dilapidated,' use 'extremely dilapidated' or 'completely dilapidated' for stronger emphasis.

⚡Gold Rule

Physical decay only

Use 'dilapidated' only for objects, buildings, or structures that are visibly falling apart due to neglect or age.

📖Word Origin

From Latin *dilapidare* (to demolish, scatter as with stones), from *dis-* (apart) + *lapidare* (to stone), related to *lapis* (stone). First used in English in the late 16th century.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in formal contexts to describe physical decay. Avoid using for emotional or metaphorical decay unless describing something literally falling apart.

Word Breakdown

di-
apart, away
prefix
+
-lapid-
stone
root
+
-ate
to make or become
suffix
+
-ed
past participle
suffix
English Dictionary

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