disrepair

noun

dis·​re·​pair ˌdis-ri-ˈper 

: the state of being in need of repair

a building fallen into disrepair

Synonyms

• neglect
• dilapidation
• deterioration
• abandonment

Examples of disrepair in a Sentence

The lighthouse was in disrepair until the volunteers cleaned it up.

After years of neglect, the house fell into disrepair.

Recent Examples on the Web

The problem is especially acute in cities like Philadelphia, where many school buildings are over 70 years old and in disrepair. —Ana Santos Rutschman, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025

Even Roosevelt, the city’s most cherished school, has been vacant since 2019 and fallen into disrepair. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

An archival news report on the property highlights how strange a sight that one of the most famous and beloved pop stars of the ’60s now spends his days in a modest cottage with various structural elements in mild disrepair. —Caleb Hammond, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025

The club closed in 2016 and has since fell into disrepair. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disrepair

• aftercare
• anywhere
• billionaire
• chinaware
• debonair
• dinnerware
• doctrinaire
• earthenware
• everywhere
• frigidaire
• kitchenware
• legionnaire

Kids Definition

disrepair

noun

dis·​re·​pair ˌdis-ri-ˈpa(ə)r 

-ˈpe(ə)r

: the condition of needing repair