Definitions

dilapidated

[dih-lap-i-dey-tid] / dɪˈlæp ɪˌdeɪ tɪd /

ADJECTIVE

falling apart; in ruins

Synonyms

STRONGEST

battered broken-down crumbling damaged decaying decrepit derelict dingy in ruins neglected ramshackle rickety run down seedy shabby unkempt

STRONG

decayed faded impaired injured marred

WEAK

beat-up crumbly crummy dog-eared fallen-in in a bad way old ratty raunchy rinky-dink shaky slummy tacky threadbare tumble-down uncared-for unimproved used-up worn-out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

OK good healthy neat nice repaired sound stable

WEAK

in good repair rebuilt

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The president went on to say he planned to renovate a "dilapidated, worn out, and very dangerous" golf course in Washington called East Potomac Golf Links, located on an island in the Potomac River.

From Barron's • Jun. 28, 2026

The Los Angeles Zoo, which houses more than 1,600 animals, has become dilapidated over the years.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

It had one bathroom, shaggy carpet, a dilapidated deck and no dishwasher.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

Their urban landscapes have since turned into a chaotic mix of new high-rises, Stalin-era neoclassicism, dilapidated shacks and stalled construction sites.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Sierra glanced warily at the vacant lot and dilapidated church.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older

Vocabulary lists containing dilapidated

Grade 10, List 2

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The Maze Runner

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