a decrepit

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "decrepit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is in a state of advanced deterioration or decline due to age or neglect. For example, "The old shack was decrepit and in desperate need of repair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In turn Pakistan, with a decrepit economy, needs international aid.

The Economist

A decrepit band played strange, dreadfully old-fashioned music.

Independent

There is no formula for undermining a decrepit regime.

The New York Times

Saga's heroically ineffectual boss looks like a decrepit Stephen King.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There's a decrepit charm to the Meare in Thorpeness, Suffolk.

The Guardian - Travel

Nearby, a decrepit tractor and an ancient pump stand idle, their engines cannibalised for spare parts.

The Economist

Before too long, they were off to Afghanistan in a decrepit 1964 Austin minivan.

The New Yorker

Dan finds the baby's mother; she lives alone in a decrepit house.

The New Yorker

The van, a decrepit rattletrap that Noel has stolen from his boss, keeps breaking down.

The New York Times

In the yard, a decrepit truck creaked under its load of oak.

The New York Times

The first stop is a decrepit brothel, but Val discovers he can't perform sexually.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decrepit" to vividly describe the deteriorated state of objects, buildings, or even systems, emphasizing age, neglect, and decline. This adds depth and atmosphere to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a decrepit" excessively in formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "dilapidated" or "run-down" might be more appropriate. Consider the audience and the desired tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decrepit" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing various nouns such as "house", "car", or "economy".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Travel

12%

Arts

9%

Less common in

Books

7%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decrepit" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something in a state of decline due to age or neglect. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use across various contexts, especially in news and media, travel and arts writing. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to consider the formality of the context when choosing this phrase, as less descriptive options like "dilapidated" might be more suitable for formal settings. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dilapidated

Focuses on a state of disrepair due to neglect or age, similar to "decrepit" but potentially less severe.

a run-down

Suggests a decline in condition, often due to lack of maintenance or care.

a ramshackle

Emphasizes the instability and looseness of construction, implying poor condition.

a crumbling

Highlights the process of breaking down or disintegrating, often associated with buildings or structures.

a decaying

Focuses on the process of rotting or decomposing, implying organic decline.

a ruined

Indicates complete or near-complete destruction or devastation.

a derelict

Describes something abandoned and in poor condition, often due to neglect.

a deteriorating

Highlights the ongoing process of becoming worse or less valuable.

a crumbling

Similar to crumbling, this emphasizes the fragile state and tendency to break apart.

a wasted

Suggests that something has not been properly used or maintained, leading to its decline.

FAQs

How can I use "a decrepit" in a sentence?

You can use "a decrepit" to describe something that is old and in poor condition. For example, "The "decrepit house" stood on a hill overlooking the town."

What words are similar to "a decrepit"?

Synonyms for "a decrepit" include "dilapidated", "run-down", and "ramshackle". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a decrepit" or "dilapidated"?

Both "a decrepit" and "dilapidated" describe something in disrepair, but "decrepit" often implies a more advanced state of decay and age. The choice depends on the degree of deterioration you want to emphasize.

Can "a decrepit" be used to describe people?

Yes, "a decrepit" can be used to describe a person, though it's generally considered less common and potentially offensive. It suggests someone is frail and weakened by age. It is usually preferred to use alternatives such as "frail" or "weakened".