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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dilapidated
• weak
• feeble
• faint
• broken-down
• frail
• infirm
• wasted
• lame
• debilitated
• enfeebled
• weakened
• run-down
• disabled
• down-and-out
• broken
• wimpy
• softened
• wrecked
• languid
• challenged
• 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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• 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

The motel, which had grown decrepit over the years, was acquired by the state park system in 2001. —Matt Stevens, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025

An avalanche of lawsuits in recent years claimed the prison’s leaders cultivated a culture of abuse and retaliation while providing decrepit health care. —Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025

More relegating our seniors to the category of weak, stooped and decrepit; people to be laughed at. —Kelly Papa, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025

But not rocking the boat might mean saddling us with a costly, decrepit, out-of-date payment system for many more years to come. —Dylan Matthews, Vox, 5 Mar. 2025