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

Three of our decrepit elevators were broken during July 4 weekend. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Since construction at the Eagle Rock site — so nicknamed after a decrepit colonnade — first stalled in 2008, the only thing that accumulated faster than the garbage and graffiti were the epithets from outraged community members. — Ryan Steven Green, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Now Trump wanted Hildebrand and two dozen other energy executives to commit to investing $100 billion in Venezuela’s decrepit oil industry. — Alex Cuadros, ProPublica, 16 June 2026

That demand has come back to bite the alliance as one of its wealthiest members struggles to refurbish its decrepit military. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2026