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
Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2025
Rows of young men in camouflage report for roll call in the shadow of dilapidated, battle-scarred buildings.
—Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Apr. 2025
Eleven years ago, Sampson took over a program with a dilapidated arena, a regrettable conference affiliation and a distant history.
—Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
City officials say failing lifeguard towers present two problems: Lifeguards could get injured inside a dilapidated structure, and the public could be at higher risk if lifeguards can’t effectively scan beaches and bays.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 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 May. 2025.
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