dilapidated
UK: dɪˈlæp.ɪ.deɪ.tɪd | US: dɪˈlæp.ə.deɪ.t̬ɪd
adj. (of a building or object) in a state of disrepair or ruin due to age or neglect
adj. (figuratively) weakened or worn out, as in health or vitality
dilapidated = di<apart> + lapid<stone> + ated<adjective suffix>
- di- (prefix): From Latin dis-, meaning "apart" or "away."
- lapid (root): From Latin lapis/lapid-, meaning "stone" (referring to structures made of stone).
- ated (suffix): Forms past-participle adjectives, indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin dilapidare ("to squander or destroy stone by stone"), combining dis- (apart) and lapis (stone). Originally, it described the literal crumbling of stone buildings. Over time, it broadened to metaphorically describe anything in decay, reflecting the gradual breakdown of physical or abstract structures.
The abandoned mansion stood dilapidated, its walls covered in ivy and cracks.
After years of neglect, the factory became dangerously dilapidated.
His dilapidated health made it difficult for him to work.
The once-grand theater now sits dilapidated on the outskirts of town.
She inherited a dilapidated farmhouse but restored it to its former glory.