derelict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "derelict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is abandoned, neglected, or in a state of disrepair, often referring to property or responsibilities. Example: "The old factory stood derelict, with broken windows and overgrown weeds surrounding it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The short work for mezzo soprano and chamber orchestra will be performed in the Olympic stadium-sized equestrian centre beside the derelict Necarne castle, a space she described as "amazing – and with a perfect acoustic".

The Guardian

One church in particular, Macrory Memorial, has lain derelict for nearly 40 years on the New Lodge/Tiger's Bay interface of north Belfast since subscribers to the church's weekly offerings dwindled to zero in 1973.

The Guardian - Opinion

Factories only recently abandoned in The Full Monty era have either been demolished or remain derelict.

The Guardian

Over the course of this series, police chief Bunny Colvin establishes three drugs-tolerance "free zones" in derelict areas of Baltimore, and the programme carefully and even-handedly analyses how these would work and what the eventual political, media and public reaction would be.

The Guardian

The viewer is also invited to sympathise with the one person who lives in the derelict area, an elderly woman who tells Colvin: "You say you've got a programme that can place me somewhere else, but you ain't got a programme for what's outside my door".

The Guardian

It's in these same derelict steelworks that the six redundant workers, who once manned a strip mill, end up rehearsing their strip routine.

The Guardian

About 45,000 people will soon live, work or study on 27 hectares of what was largely derelict land.

The Guardian

Salford's derelict quays area had become a dumping ground for Whitehall's pet projects, which were little more than expensive sops to provincial pride.

The Guardian

The tour of the Refshaleøen island industrial site takes visitors around the creative hubs emerging in the otherwise derelict area, including the world's only civilian spacecraft laboratory, a trendy restaurant and a children's theatre.

The Guardian - Travel

Both Salford and Manchester suffered as the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's cut deep into the economic power and social confidence of the region, turning city centres into almost derelict wastelands.

The Guardian

"We recently won the contract to operate the catering franchise at City Hall, Belfast's second most visited venue, but we've also just bought a burned-out pub in west Belfast which has been derelict for years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical space or object, use "derelict" to vividly convey a sense of abandonment and decay.

Common error

Avoid using "derelict" to describe someone actively neglecting their duties; instead, use words like "negligent" or "remiss". "Derelict" best suits describing abandoned objects or places.

Linguistic Context

The word "derelict" primarily functions as an adjective, describing something that is abandoned, neglected, or in a state of disrepair. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it often modifies nouns such as "building", "ship", or "land". Ludwig AI confirms this correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "derelict" is an adjective used to describe something abandoned, neglected, or in disrepair. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile. It's frequently used in news and media to portray abandonment and decay. While "derelict" is suitable for describing both objects and places, it is advisable to consider alternatives such as "abandoned" or "neglected" to achieve a more precise connotation. Avoid using "derelict" to describe someone actively neglecting their duties. Following these guidelines will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandoned

Focuses specifically on the act of being left behind, without necessarily implying a state of decay.

neglected

Highlights the lack of care or attention, leading to deterioration.

dilapidated

Emphasizes the state of disrepair and ruin due to age or neglect.

run-down

Suggests a decline in condition and appearance, often due to insufficient maintenance.

forsaken

Implies a sense of being deserted or abandoned, often with emotional connotations.

decrepit

Indicates a state of weakness or frailty due to old age or long use.

ramshackle

Describes something loosely constructed or in a state of severe disrepair.

disused

Simply means no longer in use, without necessarily implying decay.

deserted

Focuses on the absence of people or inhabitants.

disregarded

Emphasizes the lack of consideration or importance given to something.

FAQs

How can I use "derelict" in a sentence?

"Derelict" can be used to describe abandoned or neglected buildings, ships, or areas. For example, "The "derelict building" stood as a reminder of the town's decline."

What's the difference between "derelict" and "dilapidated"?

"Derelict" implies abandonment and neglect, while "dilapidated" focuses on the state of disrepair. A building can be "dilapidated" without being abandoned, but "derelict" always suggests abandonment.

What can I use instead of "derelict"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "abandoned", "neglected", "dilapidated", or "run-down".

Is it correct to say a person is "derelict"?

While less common, "derelict" can describe a person who is neglectful of their duties or responsibilities. However, it's more frequently used to describe properties or objects.