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 In this one, from 1977, a dilapidated plane strafes a field of civilians mid-prayer. — New York Times, "The 25 Most Influential Works of American Protest Art Since World War II," 15 Oct. 2020 Some communities also were given back real estate that had been stolen from Jews in the Holocaust, a mixed blessing that included spectacular synagogues but also dilapidated structures and cemeteries that strained their budgets. — Cnaan Liphshiz, sun-sentinel.com, "Coronavirus testing resilience of Europe’s small Jewish communities," 23 Sep. 2020 Midway, a historic black community east of Sanford, has long faced flooding issues because of outdated and dilapidated stormwater infrastructure. — Martin E. Comas, orlandosentinel.com, "SunRail, rural boundary, affordable housing among key issues for Seminole commission candidates," 22 Sep. 2020 Tesla adds to a recent lineup of businesses coming to a portion of Ogden Avenue Naperville officials for years had identified as outdated and dilapidated. — Erin Hegarty, chicagotribune.com, "Tesla coming to former Hummer of Naperville space on Ogden Avenue in Lisle," 18 Sep. 2020 Children's Theatre board members are expected to approve a contract to buy the dilapidated Emery and adjacent spaces for about $700,000 at their next meeting Nov. 12, Kern said. — Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, "Children's Theatre set to approve contract to buy historic Emery Theatre in OTR and move forward with plans for $30M renovation," 6 Oct. 2020 Draper Correctional Facility closed because of dilapidated conditions in 2018, although it is now being used to quarantine inmates because of the COVID-19 pandemic. — Mike Cason | Mcason@al.com, al, "Elmore County officials urged Ivey to pick different site for new prison," 6 Oct. 2020 But a $389 million deal to rebuild the dilapidated Pimlico and keep it as the home of the Preakness was hammered out last year. — Jean Marbella, baltimoresun.com, "No infield, no party tents, no hats heralding the springtime. Still, Preakness endures.," 3 Oct. 2020 Leading civil rights groups are accusing a Michigan real estate firm that bought and resold dilapidated houses in the state of misleading mostly low-income homebuyers about the properties' condition. — Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, "Civil rights groups accuse real estate firm of preying on poor homeowners," 1 Oct. 2020

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

22 Oct 2020

Cite this Entry

“Dilapidated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilapidated. Accessed 29 Oct. 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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