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 neighborhood

2

: lacking a sense of duty : negligent

derelict in his duty

derelict landlords

derelict

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: something voluntarily abandoned

especially : a ship abandoned on the high seas

b

geology : a tract of land left dry by receding water

2

: a destitute homeless social misfit : vagrant, bum

Did you know?

Derelict Has Latin Roots

The Latin verb relinquere, meaning "to leave behind," left behind a few English derivatives, 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 is another example of a word that ultimately comes from relinquere. Relics, in the original sense of the term, referred to things treasured for their association with a saint or martyr—that is, objects saints and martyrs had left behind. Relinquere also gives English its name for the containers or shrines which hold relics, reliquary.

Synonyms

Adjective

• careless
• disregardful
• lax
• lazy
• neglectful
• neglecting
• negligent
• remiss
• slack

Noun

• bum
• do-nothing
• good-for-nothing
• ne'er-do-well
• no-account
• no-good
• no-goodnik
• slacker
• vagrant

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

Walker turned that vision into a career, transforming derelict properties along California's Central Coast into a series of popular boutique hotels, each with a story that nods to the area's history and mystique. —David Hochman, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024

Tenants living in derelict housing face conditions that contribute to higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, asthma, violence, and other life-threatening risks. —Kff Health News, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024

Noun

Maine’s housing stock skews old, with high rates of derelict and seasonally vacant properties. —Donovan Lynch, NBC News, 4 Aug. 2024

Players explore derelicts looking for valuable salvage. —Rob Wieland, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

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 1a

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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