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.

Earlier this year Banjo & Ro's Grand Island Hotel aired on BBC Scotland, focused around the interior designer attempting to restore dilapidated mansion Ulva House.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

The government says it has run out of diesel and fuel oil needed to power the generators that supplement the electricity production of its dilapidated power plants.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

The buildings near the back of the complex were dilapidated.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

It identified three other projects, including the rehabilitation of the historic but dilapidated Wadsworth Chapel, that would be funded by redirecting $212 million from previous authorizations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

It looked abandoned and dilapidated, even in the usually flattering moonlight.

From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke

Vocabulary lists containing dilapidated

Grade 10, List 2

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The Maze Runner

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