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
Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
But Spencer said replacing old, dilapidated buildings with newer ones could also put the district in a better position to compete with charter schools.
—Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2025
That made staying in Oakland untenable for the franchise, which played its final season in the dilapidated stadium last year.
—W.g. Ramirez, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Still, the small city 40 miles east of Charlotte was a bit barren, spotted with offices, few restaurants, empty storefronts and dilapidated buildings.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Dilapidated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilapidated. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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