dilapidated
adjective
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Something that is dilapidated may not have been literally pummeled with stones, but it might look that way. Dilapidated derives (via the English verb dilapidate) from dilapidatus, the past participle of the Latin verb dilapidare ("to squander or destroy"). That verb was formed by combining dis-, meaning "apart," with the verb lapidare, meaning "to pelt with stones." Other English descendants of lapidare include the verb lapidate ("to pelt or kill with stones") and the noun lapidary, which is used to refer to a person who cuts or polishes precious stones. Both words share as a root the Latin noun lapis, meaning "stone." We also find lapis in the name lapis lazuli, a bright blue semiprecious stone.
Examples of dilapidated in a Sentence
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Still bereft and furious, Aggie is trying to get on with her job, at least, while living alone in a big, dilapidated house with only a little white dog named Steve for company.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Nov. 2025
The dilapidated plant sits on two parcels totalling about 8 acres adjacent to the North Main Street bridge.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2025
Grace just wants to refurbish their gorgeous, dilapidated home and start a family, but an alarming number of strangers start coming to the house and then refusing to leave.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilapidated
Cite this Entry
“Dilapidated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilapidated. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.
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