Synonyms of derelict

derelict 1 of 2

adjective

ˈder-ə-ˌlikt 

1

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention

the guards were judged derelict in their duty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• neglectful
• careless
• lazy
• neglecting
• negligent
• remiss
• reckless
• lax
• slack
• disregardful
• oblivious
• irresponsible
• forgetful
• heedless
• delinquent
• unguarded
• uninterested
• disinterested
• inattentive
• thoughtless
• apathetic
• unmindful
• wild
• indifferent
• unthinking
• unconcerned
• incautious
• unwary
• unheeding
• disregarding
• loose

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• careful
• nonnegligent
• conscientious
• attentive
• guarded
• meticulous
• regarding
• punctilious
• responsible
• painstaking
• cautious
• wary
• vigilant
• circumspect
• watchful
• mindful
• chary
• observant
• alert
• thinking
• interested
• gingerly
• provident
• concerned
• thoughtful
• heedful
• foresighted
• regardful
• heeding
• forethoughtful

2

as in disused

left unoccupied or unused

purchased an old derelict mansion that was rumored to be haunted

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disused
• deserted
• abandoned
• vacant
• desolate
• vacated
• rejected
• forgotten
• forsaken
• void
• empty
• neglected
• discarded
• ignored
• untended
• unattended
• junked
• waste
• shabby
• idle
• refuse
• jettisoned
• miserable
• cast-off
• godforsaken
• castaway
• wretched

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reclaimed
• recovered
• saved
• salvaged
• redeemed
• restored
• retrieved
• rescued
• reconditioned
• rehabilitated
• rehabbed
• repeopled

derelict

2 of 2

noun

as in bum

an idle worthless person

a section of the city that seemed to be frequented mostly by derelicts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bum
• beggar
• hobo
• no-account
• good-for-nothing
• dodger
• vagrant
• do-nothing
• no-goodnik
• no-good
• slacker
• tramp
• drifter
• ne'er-do-well
• transient
• vagabond
• waif
• urchin
• shirker
• pauper
• roamer
• indigent
• down-and-out
• panhandler
• loafer
• drone
• idler
• ragamuffin
• sundowner
• slug
• slouch
• goldbrick
• sluggard
• lazybones
• gamine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• success
• winner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of derelict

Adjective

On the way back to the inn, in the fading yellow light, Tony gestured toward a modest wooden shed with a derelict fishing pier extending into the water. — Akash Kapur, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026

This is a neighborhood that has a lot of derelict and empty buildings. — Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026

When Ken Fulk and Kurt Wootton purchased what would become Durham Ranch—named after one of their dogs—the California wine country property was in disrepair, with a derelict 1940s ranch house and a handful of rickety outbuildings. — Mark David, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2026

The biggest difference is that the old Kop terrace, which stood derelict for years, has finally been demolished, with a new stand now under construction. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026

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