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

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

As is the case across the West, many Britons are increasingly concerned and angry about rising prices, decrepit public services, a lack of housing — and the perception that immigration has been mismanaged. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2025

The Tampa Bay Rays, for instance, don’t want to return to decrepit Tropicana Field — even if the caved-in roof is repaired. —Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Perhaps something good can come out of the city’s baffling 2016 decision to acquire the decrepit building without any seeming awareness that, in 2014, a consultant for its previous owner had called it fundamentally obsolete and cited asbestos contamination. —U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 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