Synonyms of decrepit

decrepit

adjective

as in dilapidated

old and in bad condition or poor health

The decrepit building was badly in need of repair.

a decrepit old man

Related Words

• dilapidated
• weak
• feeble
• faint
• frail
• broken-down
• infirm
• wasted
• debilitated
• enfeebled
• weakened
• run-down
• disabled
• down-and-out
• broken
• wimpy
• softened
• wrecked
• languid
• effete
• unsubstantial
• slight
• prostrate
• soft
• damaged
• incapacitated
• asthenic
• low
• invalid
• delicate
• tender
• enervated
• destroyed
• wimpish
• sapped
• paralyzed
• impotent
• powerless
• prostrated
• injured
• hurt
• impaired
• unsound
• harmed

Dissimilar Words

• new
• fresh
• brand-new
• maintained
• kept-up
• sturdy
• robust
• tough
• hardy
• hard
• lusty
• healthy
• sound
• powerful
• cared-for
• mighty
• strong
• rugged
• stalwart
• stout
• hale
• red-blooded

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective decrepit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of decrepit are feeble, fragile, frail, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When can feeble be used instead of decrepit?

The meanings of feeble and decrepit largely overlap; however, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When would fragile be a good substitute for decrepit?

In some situations, the words fragile and decrepit are roughly equivalent. However, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When might frail be a better fit than decrepit?

While the synonyms frail and decrepit are close in meaning, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When could infirm be used to replace decrepit?

Although the words infirm and decrepit have much in common, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

In what contexts can weak take the place of decrepit?

The words weak and decrepit can be used in similar contexts, but weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of decrepit

Many struggled to feed themselves and were placed in decrepit locations where children and parents slept four or more to a bed. —Spencer Norris, ProPublica, 29 Jan. 2026

In 1993, Atlanta received one of the first grants awarded by the federal HOPE VI program—which aimed to knock down the most decrepit public-housing projects in America and replace them with better housing—to demolish and rebuild the Techwood Homes. —Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026

The most decrepit and weather-worn houses appear to be empty, although a few show outward signs that they are occupied. —Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026

In its center, from which the well-to-do have long decamped, decrepit high-rises have been most successfully revitalized by the Homeless Movement of the Center (MSTC), a collective of squatters affiliated with the larger Front Line of the Struggle for Housing (FLM). —Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026