dilapidated condition

USAGE SUMMARY

"dilapidated condition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a state of disrepair or decay. For example, "The old bridge had deteriorated to such a dilapidated condition that it needed to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The work uncovered structural faults which led engineering experts to conclude that the building, much of it over 130 years old, was in a dangerously dilapidated condition.

Wikipedia

States and communities have identified scores more in dilapidated condition.

The New York Times

The boat appeared to feature Korean "Hangul" markings on its hull, while its dilapidated condition suggested it had been drifting for some time, said the spokesman.

Independent

Wyman sold the Mercedes and bought it back in a rather dilapidated condition in 1991, by which time the windows had been changed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The boardwalk here its southern yellow pine and Douglas fir warped and splintered -- as much as anything else reflects the dilapidated condition of much of this city.

The New York Times

John Brady, who lost his stepdaughter, Marion Hartigan, in the crash, described parts of Trinity as being in "terrible, dilapidated condition".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Parents and teachers are staging a series of so-called "sickouts", prompted by the dilapidated conditions of school buildings.

The Guardian

Cuba's problems were ranked this way: low salaries and high cost of living, double currency standard, lack of political freedoms, embargo and isolation, food scarcity, lack of medicines, poor transportation infrastructure and lack of housing or dilapidated conditions.

The New York Times

The center had been criticized in the press for its dilapidated conditions and inadequate care, as well as for prioritizing a "VIP ward" for non-soldiers.

Wikipedia

In 2001, two years after the formation of the nonprofit Friends of the High Line, photographer Joel Sternfeld documented the dilapidated conditions and the natural flora of the line in his book Walking the High Line.

Wikipedia

This past fall, the Department of Justice announced it was opening an investigation into the jails' treatment of mentally ill inmates, citing the jump in suicides at LA jails in 2013 and the "obsolete and dilapidated conditions" for inmates diagnosed with serious mental illnesses.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical infrastructure or buildings, use "dilapidated condition" to clearly convey a state of significant disrepair, ensuring the reader understands the severity of the situation.

Common error

While "dilapidated condition" is acceptable in news and general writing, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic contexts where more precise or technical language may be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "state of disrepair" or "deteriorated state".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dilapidated condition" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, typically used to characterize the state of something physical, such as a building, road, or vehicle. It denotes a state of disrepair or decay, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

33%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dilapidated condition" is a descriptive phrase used to denote a state of disrepair. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media and Wikipedia articles. While generally acceptable, it's crucial to consider the context and formality of your writing, opting for more precise or technical language in academic or professional settings. Consider alternatives such as "state of disrepair" or "deteriorated state" for variety. Remember to use this phrase to vividly describe the state of something in need of renovation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of disrepair

Focuses on the general condition of being in disrepair, a slightly broader term.

run-down state

Emphasizes the neglected and deteriorated aspect of the condition.

state of decay

Highlights the process of deterioration and decomposition.

neglected condition

Focuses on the lack of care and maintenance leading to the current state.

deteriorated state

Highlights the decline from a previous, better condition.

poor condition

A more general term indicating a lack of quality or maintenance.

decrepit state

Emphasizes the age and frailty of the condition.

shambolic state

Indicates a state of chaos and disorganization due to disrepair.

ramshackle state

Implies a flimsy and unstable condition.

damaged state

Highlights the presence of harm or injury contributing to the condition.

FAQs

How can I describe something similar to a "dilapidated condition"?

You can use alternatives like "state of disrepair", "run-down state", or "state of decay" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While generally acceptable, "dilapidated condition" might be too informal for highly academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise or technical terms like "state of disrepair" for such situations.

What's the difference between "dilapidated condition" and "poor condition"?

"Poor condition" is a general term indicating something is not in good shape. "Dilapidated condition" implies a more severe state of disrepair and neglect.

Can "dilapidated condition" be used to describe abstract concepts?

While primarily used for physical objects like buildings or infrastructure, "dilapidated condition" could be metaphorically applied to abstract concepts, but this is less common and should be done carefully to ensure clarity. For example, you can't say "dilapidated heart".