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dilapidated
/dɪˈlæpɪdeɪtɪd/
in a state of disrepair
The old house stood dilapidated, with broken windows and peeling paint.
The house was falling apart visibly.
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
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
suffixEnglish Dictionary