English Reference
Adjective

dilapidated

adj.
C1 Advanced US /dəˈɫæpəˌdeɪtɪd/ UK /dˈɪlɐpˌɪdeɪtˌɪd/ di·lap·i·dat·ed

adj.describing a building or object that is in very bad condition because it is old and has not been cared for. It usually looks like it is falling apart.

adj.in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect. Often used to describe structures, vehicles, or furniture that have been abandoned or poorly maintained.


SIMPLE

The old, dilapidated house stood empty for years.

CONTEXTUAL

The city plans to renovate the dilapidated warehouse and turn it into a modern community center.

COMPLEX

Walking through the ghost town, we saw rows of dilapidated storefronts with shattered windows and sagging roofs that whispered of a forgotten era.

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'become' or 'look'.

Venezuela’s energy sector has become dilapidated, with critics blaming heavy US sanctions and government mismanagement.

Al Jazeera· 1 Sept 2026

Israeli settlers had put a large Star of David and Israeli flags on the roof an old, dilapidated house, owned by Palestinians, just 500 metres from a Palestinian family home.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated