dilapidated

di·lap·i·dat·ed | \ də-ˈla-pə-ˌdā-təd

How to pronounce dilapidated (audio)

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Definition of dilapidated

: decayed, deteriorated, or fallen into partial ruin especially through neglect or misuse a dilapidated old house

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Examples of dilapidated in a Sentence

a dilapidated car that had seen better days

Recent Examples on the Web Most of the Trump administration's construction of border barriers, which cover nearly 100 miles, has replaced old, dilapidated ones. — Camilo Montoya-galvez, CBS News, "Court allows Trump to use $3.6 billion in military funds to build border barriers," 9 Jan. 2020 In New York, there’s a fashion collective called Vaquera that mounts runway shows in dilapidated settings with harsh lighting and no glamour. — National Geographic, "The idea of beauty is always shifting. Today, it’s more inclusive than ever.," 7 Jan. 2020 For years developers have tried and failed to revitalize the Lone Star Brewery, a dilapidated complex south of King William that closed in 1996. — Madison Iszler, ExpressNews.com, "Lone Star Brewery owner files for bankruptcy," 6 Jan. 2020 Trinkets and souvenirs filled the shelves of boutiques by the ferry terminal, and behind them stood shops, hotels, and office blocks that looked almost space-age after the dilapidated, weatherworn townscapes of the Comoros. — Tommy Trenchard, Harper's magazine, "Oceans Apart," 6 Jan. 2020 Frustrations over unsafe warehouse in Oakland For neighbors of the dilapidated warehouse on West Street in Oakland’s Longfellow neighborhood, the trouble started long before flames swept through the building last Friday. — Taylor Kate Brown, SFChronicle.com, "Bay Briefing: Empty shelves but open stores: What’s going on at Fry’s?," 3 Jan. 2020 The administration has built only 93 miles of the new wall, nearly all of it on federal land where dilapidated barriers existed or vehicle barriers once stood, according to Customs and Border Protection. — BostonGlobe.com, "The White House is hoping more landowners along the border will make the same decision — and help President Trump deliver on his campaign promise to build 450 miles of new border wall by 2021.," 27 Dec. 2019 LARGE LOGS Someone in Oakland started putting car-sized logs in front of businesses this year In an effort to deter transients from parking their RVs or dilapidated vehicles in front of businesses. — Fox News, "Homelessness crisis: From houseboats to boulders, unconventional methods used to tackle problem in 2019," 27 Dec. 2019 Border Patrol agents regularly travel the dusty area, driving past the Rivas family’s dilapidated shack that used to operate as a souvenir store. — New York Times, "A Barrier to Trump’s Border Wall: Landowners in Texas," 26 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dilapidated.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

12 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Dilapidated.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilapidated. Accessed 22 January 2020.

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More Definitions for dilapidated

dilapidated

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of dilapidated

: in very bad condition because of age or lack of care

See the full definition for dilapidated in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dilapidated

di·lap·i·dat·ed | \ də-ˈla-pə-ˌdā-təd \

Kids Definition of dilapidated

: falling apart or ruined from age or from lack of care a dilapidated car

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