derelict

1 of 2

adjective

der·​e·​lict ˈder-ə-ˌlikt 

ˈde-rə-

1

: abandoned especially by the owner or occupant

derelict warehouses

also : run-down

a derelict industrial area

2

: failing to do what should be done : negligent

derelict in his duty

derelict landlords

derelict

2 of 2

noun

plural derelicts

1

usually disparaging : a person who has no established residence and who wanders from place to place without lawful or visible means of support

2

a

: something voluntarily abandoned

especially : a ship abandoned on the high seas

b

geology : a tract of land left dry by receding water

Did you know?

Derelict Has Latin Roots

The Latin verb relinquere, meaning "to leave behind," left English with a number of words, including derelict. Something derelict has been left behind, or at least appears that way. In another sense, someone who is derelict leaves behind or neglects their duties or obligations. Another descendant of relinquere is relinquish, meaning "to leave behind," "to give up," or "to release." Relic also ultimately comes from relinquere. Relics, in the original sense of the term, are things treasured for their association with a saint or martyr—that is, objects saints and martyrs left behind. Relinquere also gives English its name for the containers or shrines which hold relics, reliquary.

Synonyms of derelict

Adjective

• neglectful
• careless
• lazy
• neglecting
• negligent

Noun

• bum
• beggar
• hobo
• no-account

Examples of derelict in a Sentence

Adjective

The officer was charged with being derelict in his duty.

the guards were judged derelict in their duty

Noun

It was a run-down neighborhood filled with drugs addicts and derelicts.

a section of the city that seemed to be frequented mostly by derelicts

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Though government incentives have seen many old-school properties across Italy converted into high-end stays, most historic residences remain in private hands, including a derelict villa in Puglia transformed into a chic home, a 17th-century apartment in Tuscany, and an 18th-century home in Sicily. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025

The derelict Toronto Postal Service Centre, now Scotiabank Arena, was on the eastern end of Bremner Boulevard, the street that connects the two buildings. —Eric Koreen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

Noun

The derelict Toronto Postal Service Centre, now Scotiabank Arena, was on the eastern end of Bremner Boulevard, the street that connects the two buildings. —Eric Koreen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

The fact is that our local government has been deliberately handcuffed from being able to take action on derelict spaces in our neighborhoods. —Wes Burdine, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Latin derelictus, past participle of derelinquere to abandon, from de- + relinquere to leave — more at relinquish

First Known Use

Adjective

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for derelict

• contradict
• interdict
• addict
• afflict
• constrict
• delict
• depict
• evict
• handpicked
• inflict
• predict
• relict

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Kids Definition

derelict

1 of 2 adjective

der·​e·​lict ˈder-ə-ˌlikt 

1

: abandoned by the owner or occupant

a derelict ship

2

: negligent sense 2, neglectful

derelict in one's duty

derelict

2 of 2 noun

1

: something voluntarily abandoned

especially : a ship abandoned on the high seas

2

: a person without apparent means of support : bum