dilapidated

USAGE SUMMARY

"dilapidated" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that means run-down, neglected, or in an advanced state of disrepair. For example: "After years of neglect, the once grand house was now a dilapidated ruin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had my trusty tent strapped to my backpack so setting up camp on the sand would be straightforward enough, but I also knew that the four stone walls – albeit slightly dilapidated and certainly not heated – of a bothy (a disused building maintained by volunteers for walkers' use) were just a couple of kilometres away.

The Guardian - Travel

Thousands of people lined up on Saturday for the chance to take home a piece of the iconic, but dilapidated Houston Astrodome, once dubbed the "eighth wonder of the world".

The Guardian

It was decades before the outside world learned anything of what went on in the warren of dilapidated huts surrounding the ugly Edwardian mansion in Buckinghamshire, but the bright young women recruited from secretarial colleges, the armed forces, or straight from school, scarcely knew any more.

The Guardian

It would be disrespectful to Brechin to label their home as dilapidated or anything of that sort.

The Guardian - Sport

Even for those familiar with São Paulo's favelas, the first sight of the flimsy, dilapidated shacks in the Favela do Moinho comes as a shock.

The Guardian

The ASCE thought that America's water and sewage systems, inland waterways and levees were equally dilapidated, and that its schools, dams, airports, public transport and hazardous-waste disposal were in only slightly better shape.

The Economist

The trailer is dilapidated, but Ms Vega tends to it lovingly.

The Economist

One of the two parallel lines stands empty and the source that once fed them, the giant Kirkuk oilfield, is dilapidated.

The Economist

That has boosted Manchester and Birmingham as well as London at the expense of out-of-town office parks, which look increasingly dilapidated.

The Economist

Much of it is dilapidated and most people want to move out and up.

The Economist

ON DECEMBER 8th, the South Korean government decided to do something about the country's desperately dilapidated corporate-bond market.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dilapidated" when you want to emphasize the neglect and deterioration of something, particularly buildings or infrastructure. It carries a stronger sense of decay than simply saying something is "old" or "worn".

Common error

Avoid using "dilapidated" to describe items with minor wear and tear. This word implies a severe state of disrepair and should be reserved for situations where there is significant damage or decay.

Linguistic Context

The word "dilapidated" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their state of disrepair or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms the word correctness. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing various subjects such as buildings, infrastructure and equipment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dilapidated" is an adjective used to describe something that has fallen into a state of disrepair or deterioration, primarily due to neglect. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct word and, as evidenced by the examples, is frequently used in news and media. It's suitable for formal contexts and its usage aims to communicate the severity of decay or damage. While alternatives like "run-down" or "decrepit" exist, "dilapidated" offers a specific emphasis on the neglect aspect. Remember to reserve this word for situations involving significant decay, and be mindful of the tone it conveys in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run-down

Focuses on the gradual decline and lack of maintenance, similar to "dilapidated" but often implies a less severe state of disrepair.

in disrepair

Directly states the condition of being damaged or poorly maintained, providing a straightforward alternative.

ramshackle

Suggests a state of being poorly constructed or held together, often implying instability.

decrepit

Emphasizes the weakness and frailty associated with old age or neglect, carrying a more negative connotation.

shabby

Indicates wear and tear or a lack of care, often implying a loss of original quality or attractiveness.

deteriorated

Highlights the process of decline or decay over time, often used in more formal contexts.

falling apart

Illustrates a severe state of disrepair, suggesting imminent collapse or disintegration.

tumble-down

Suggests a state of collapse or ruin, often used to describe buildings or structures.

worn-out

Indicates something that has been damaged or weakened by prolonged use, losing its functionality or appearance.

broken-down

Implies a state of being non-functional or inoperative due to damage or disrepair.

FAQs

How can I use "dilapidated" in a sentence?

You can use "dilapidated" to describe buildings, infrastructure, or even equipment that is in a state of disrepair due to neglect. For example: "The "dilapidated building" was scheduled for demolition."

What words can I use instead of "dilapidated"?

Alternatives to "dilapidated" include "run-down", "decrepit", or "in disrepair", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "dilapidated" and "shabby"?

"Dilapidated" suggests a more severe state of disrepair and neglect, often implying structural damage. "Shabby" implies a lack of care or wear and tear, but not necessarily structural issues.

Is it appropriate to use "dilapidated" in formal writing?

Yes, "dilapidated" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing something in a state of disrepair. Ludwig AI confirms that is a correct word. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.