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decrepit

adjective

/dɪˈkrɛpɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of decrepit

In a state of extreme disrepair or deterioration, often as a result of age or neglect.
"The old, decrepit building was in dire need of renovation."

Detailed meaning of decrepit

It suggests that the object or person is in a weakened or fragile state, and is no longer functioning at an optimal level. The term can be used to describe buildings, machinery, or other physical objects that are worn out, dilapidated, or in need of repair. It can also be used to describe people who are elderly or infirm, and who are no longer able to perform tasks or activities with the same level of energy or skill as they once could. In general, the term 'decrepit' implies a sense of decline, decay, or obsolescence, and is often used to describe something or someone that is no longer useful or relevant.

Example sentences containing decrepit

1. The abandoned house stood decrepit, its windows shattered.
2. The once majestic castle now appears decrepit and crumbling.
3. The ancient bridge looked decrepit, with rotting wood and rusted iron.
4. His decrepit car struggled to start, emitting clouds of smoke.
5. The neglected park had become a decrepit, overgrown wilderness.
6. The decrepit factory was a shadow of its former bustling self.

History and etymology of decrepit

The adjective 'decrepit' has its origins in Latin, coming from the word 'decrepitus,' which means 'worn out' or 'broken down.' It is derived from 'de' (meaning 'down from') and 'crepare' (meaning 'to crack' or 'to creak'). In its early usage, 'decrepitus' was often used to describe elderly individuals whose bodies had become frail and weakened with age, often making them prone to creaking or cracking joints. Over time, the term was adopted into English and broadened to describe anything in a state of extreme disrepair or deterioration, often as a result of age or neglect. The etymology of 'decrepit' reflects the idea of something that has become worn down, weakened, or broken, emphasizing the association with age and neglect that characterizes its usage today.

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Further usage examples of decrepit

1. They found a decrepit, forgotten treasure hidden in the attic.
2. The old barn stood decrepit, with a sagging roof and peeling paint.
3. The decrepit mansion had a haunting, eerie atmosphere.
4. The town's decrepit library desperately needed renovation.
5. The decrepit ship creaked and groaned as it sailed through rough seas.
6. She stumbled upon a decrepit, abandoned amusement park.
7. The decrepit hospital had not seen renovations in decades.
8. The village's decrepit well had run dry long ago.
9. They explored a decrepit, forgotten subway tunnel.
10. The decrepit lighthouse guided ships with its feeble beacon.
11. The decrepit chapel was a place of solitude and reflection.
12. The decrepit schoolhouse was a relic from another era.
13. The decrepit bridge swayed in the wind, a risky path.
14. The decrepit ruins held secrets of a bygone civilization.
15. The old, decrepit house on the corner was rumored to be haunted.
16. His car was so decrepit that it would often break down on the way to work.
17. The abandoned factory was a decrepit building with broken windows and graffiti on the walls.
18. The town’s decrepit bridge was finally replaced after years of being a safety hazard.
19. The once-grand theater had become decrepit through years of neglect and disrepair.
20. She inherited a decrepit cottage in the countryside that needed a lot of renovation.
21. The old man walked with a cane, his decrepit legs barely supporting him.
22. The museum acquired a decrepit painting and spent years restoring it to its original glory.
23. The decrepit playground was replaced by the community with new equipment and a safer environment for children.
24. The dog was found in a decrepit barn, hungry and in need of care.
25. The old bookshop, though decrepit, was a treasure trove of rare books and manuscripts.
26. They found a decrepit boat washed ashore and decided to repair it over the summer.
27. The antique chair was decrepit, with faded upholstery and a wobbly leg.
28. The decrepit fence around the property could barely stand against the wind.
29. Despite the piano's decrepit appearance, it still produced beautiful music when played.