Definitions

run down

[ruhn-doun] / ˈrʌnˈdaʊn /

VERB

ridicule

Synonyms

STRONGEST

knock

WEAK

belittle criticize decry defame denigrate depreciate derogate detract diminish disparage dispraise downcry make fun of opprobriate revile speak ill of vilify

Antonyms

WEAK

praise

ADJECTIVE

shabby, in bad shape

Synonyms

STRONGEST

broken-down crumbling decrepit derelict deserted desolate dilapidated dingy neglected ramshackle rickety seedy tacky

WEAK

abandoned beat up below par debilitated dog-eared down-at-the-heel drained enervated exhausted fatigued forsaken frowzy in a bad way old out of condition peaked ratty tattered tired tumble-down uncared-for under the weather unhealthy untended used-up weak weary worn-out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

nice populated sound stable used

WEAK

OK fresh good healthy

run-down

ADJECTIVE

shabby, in bad shape

Synonyms

STRONGEST

broken-down crumbling decrepit derelict deserted desolate dilapidated dingy neglected ramshackle rickety seedy tacky

WEAK

abandoned beat-up below par debilitated dog-eared down-at-the-heel drained enervated exhausted fatigued forsaken frowzy in a bad way old out of condition peaked ratty tattered tired tumble-down uncared-for under the weather unhealthy untended used up weak weary worn-out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

nice populated sound stable used

WEAK

OK fresh good healthy

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.

But when he opened the door, he looked disheveled, like he had stood up from his desk and run down the hall.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Damon and Pitt are about to go in, their hand is on the door, I’m like, “Here we go…” And I see them turn and run down the stairs to get another round of cheers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

So you won't be remotely surprised when I tell you that it has left Labour folk from the cabinet down gloomy, run down and irritated.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

The dizzying speed of Langley’s rise has taken a toll; in August, she posted on Instagram that she was “more run down than ever” and needed time off to rest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Countless were the times she had read of people caught in frightening circumstances; when things seemed at their most dire, inevitably these unlucky people would be described as having “a shiver run down their spines.”

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

run down

Example Sentences

Related Words