structurally unsound building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "structurally unsound building" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a building that is not safe or stable due to flaws in its structure. Example: "The city condemned the old warehouse, declaring it a structurally unsound building that posed a risk to public safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thousands of people passing through a structurally unsound building for years without incident does not make it safe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A separate North American safety alliance has announced plans to provide loans to fix or relocate structurally unsound buildings.

BBC

The downtown area has seen the razing of structurally unsound buildings and the expansion or restoration of others.

Wikipedia

Letchworth Village, however, is essentially a park where you can freely stroll the grounds (it's very popular with dog walkers), and while you're not really supposed to go inside the structurally unsound buildings, there's no one on the premises to insure you don't.

Vice

At the same time, however, if the writer's board resorted to "self-help" and had the roots cut, and in doing so damaged the tree or made it structurally unsound, the writer's building could be responsible for damages.

The New York Times

We should only go down the demolition road if there is evidence that this building is structurally unsound".

The Guardian

But she said she never had reason to believe the building was structurally unsound and never filed any written complaints with higher officials.

The New York Times

Last night, officials of Neighborhood Restore and the South Bronx group were steering tenants toward hotels arranged by the Red Cross, but many residents still disputed the city's contention that the building was structurally unsound.

The New York Times

Weakened by additions to the church tower and undermined by burials in and around the church, by the 19th century the building was structurally unsound.

Wikipedia

We know 70 Oxford Road is in need of renovation so there's also the risk the council start making noises that it would cost too much to do this and the buildings are structurally unsound and what have you, well before the planning application, just to strengthen their case".

Vice

At the hospital in Talca, near the epicenter, personnel were treating victims in the parking lot because the hospital building was considered structurally unsound.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a building's condition, use "structurally unsound building" to clearly convey that the building's stability is compromised and may pose a safety risk.

Common error

While "structurally unsound building" is relatively clear, avoid substituting it with excessively technical jargon that might not be understood by a general audience. Simpler terms like "unsafe building" may be preferable in some contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "structurally unsound building" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and usability. It describes a building that has structural problems, making it unsafe or unstable. As Ludwig AI examples point out, it's used to convey a building's condition related to safety.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "structurally unsound building" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe a building with compromised structural integrity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to inform or warn about potential risks. While technically descriptive, simpler alternatives like "unsafe building" may be suitable for broader audiences. It is important to reserve the term for buildings where the structural integrity is the primary cause for concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsafe building

Focuses on the safety aspect of the building rather than its structural integrity.

unstable building

Focuses on the lack of stability in the building's structure.

dangerous building

Emphasizes the potential harm the building poses.

structurally deficient building

Uses a more technical term to describe the building's condition.

hazardous building

Highlights the presence of hazards within the building.

condemned building

Indicates that the building has been officially declared unfit for use.

dilapidated building

Highlights the state of disrepair of the building.

precarious building

Implies that the building is in a risky or uncertain state.

rickety building

Suggests that the building is poorly constructed and likely to collapse.

compromised structure

More generic, describes that structure is not reliable anymore

FAQs

How can I describe a building that is not safe?

You can use phrases like "unsafe building", "dangerous building", or "condemned building" depending on the specific reason for its lack of safety. The phrase "structurally unsound building" specifically refers to issues with the building's stability.

What is the difference between "structurally unsound building" and "dilapidated building"?

"Structurally unsound building" refers specifically to problems with the building's structural integrity, while "dilapidated building" refers to a state of general disrepair, which may or may not involve structural issues.

When is it appropriate to use the term "structurally unsound building"?

Use "structurally unsound building" when you want to emphasize that a building's foundation, framework, or supporting elements are compromised, making it potentially dangerous or unstable. It's commonly used in construction, engineering, and safety contexts.

Are there any formal alternatives to "structurally unsound building"?

Yes, a more formal alternative is "structurally deficient building". This phrase is often used in technical reports and official assessments.