dilapidated
What does "dilapidated" mean?
The word "dilapidated" describes something, typically a building or object, that has fallen into a state of severe disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect. The mental image is one of crumbling walls, broken windows, sagging roofs, and a general sense of abandonment. It is a formal term often used to evoke a sense of sadness or history regarding a structure that was once grand but is now decaying. While it is most commonly applied to physical architecture, it can metaphorically describe systems or organizations that are no longer functioning effectively due to long-term lack of maintenance.
"dilapidated" in conversation
Real estate hunt
This house is definitely a fixer-upper.
This house is definitely a fixer-upper.
Fixer-upper? It’s completely dilapidated! The roof is caving in.
Fixer-upper? It’s completely dilapidated! The roof is caving in.
Used to emphasize that a building is beyond simple repairs.
Walking through an old town
Look at that old library on the corner.
Look at that old library on the corner.
It’s sad to see such a beautiful building so dilapidated.
It’s sad to see such a beautiful building so dilapidated.
Expresses a sense of nostalgia or regret regarding the state of a once-important building.
"dilapidated" in a sentence
The old shed was dilapidated and dangerous to enter.
The old shed was dilapidated and dangerous to enter.
They spent a fortune renovating the dilapidated farmhouse.
They spent a fortune renovating the dilapidated farmhouse.
Years of neglect had left the once-majestic estate in a truly dilapidated condition.
Years of neglect had left the once-majestic estate in a truly dilapidated condition.
