dilapidated

adjective

di·​lap·​i·​dat·​ed də-ˈla-pə-ˌdā-təd How to pronounce dilapidated (audio)
: decayed, deteriorated, or fallen into partial ruin especially through neglect or misuse
a dilapidated old house

Did you know?

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

a dilapidated car that had seen better days
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Jenna Phipps and Nick Volkov The house was so dilapidated that the realtor asked the couple to sign a waiver before going inside. Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dilapidated

Word History

Etymology

see dilapidate

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dilapidated was in 1565

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Cite this Entry

“Dilapidated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilapidated. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dilapidated

adjective
di·​lap·​i·​dat·​ed
də-ˈlap-ə-ˌdāt-əd
: partly ruined or decayed especially from age or lack of care
a dilapidated old house

More from Merriam-Webster on dilapidated

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