decrepit

adjective

de·​crep·​it di-ˈkre-pət 

1

: wasted and weakened by or as if by the infirmities of old age

a decrepit old man

2

a

: impaired by use or wear : worn-out

a decrepit school bus

b

: fallen into ruin or disrepair

a decrepit industry

3

: dilapidated, run-down

an old, decrepit hotel

decrepitly adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for decrepit

weak, feeble, frail, fragile, infirm, decrepit mean not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort.

weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or disabling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

Examples of decrepit in a Sentence

My decrepit car barely starts.

Recent Examples on the Web

By that measure, Sheinbaum should be reminded that sending cheap oil to the decrepit Cuban regime and snubbing the Summit of the Americas in solidarity with the region’s most brutal dictatorships is a betrayal of Mexico’s constitutional commitment to human rights. —Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025

There are decently unsettling moments as Mia’s quest leads her to poke around a decrepit former amusement park, the empty prison and other sites. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025

The former property manager had briefly tried to move Daniels into a less decrepit unit – but did not follow through with tenants on recurring issues. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025

Inside, the place is as decrepit as Julian, every corner cluttered with canvases, papers and enough dusty ephemera to warm the heart of any hoarder. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin decrepitus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

decrepit

adjective

de·​crep·​it di-ˈkrep-ət 

: broken down with age : worn-out