# disrepair

/ˌdɪsɹɪˈpɛɹ/ (US) · /dˌɪsɹɪpˈeə/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disrepair
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

the state of being in bad condition because of a lack of care or maintenance. You use this to describe old buildings, roads, or machines that are falling apart.

For teachers: a state of poor condition or decay resulting from neglect or lack of maintenance. Often used in the prepositional phrase 'in disrepair'.

## Examples

- The old factory is in such bad disrepair that it is unsafe to enter.
- After years of budget cuts, the city's infrastructure was left in a state of disrepair that required millions to fix.
- The abandoned mansion stood as a haunting reminder of the family's former wealth, its once-grand facade now crumbling into disrepair after decades of neglect.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.