decrepit

[dih-krep-it]

adjective

1. weakened by old age; feeble; infirm.

   a decrepit man who can hardly walk.

   Antonyms: vigorous

2. worn out by long use; dilapidated.

   a decrepit stove.

decrepit

/ dɪˈkrɛpɪt /

adjective

1. enfeebled by old age; infirm

2. broken down or worn out by hard or long use; dilapidated

Other Word Forms

• decrepitly adverb
• decrepitness noun
• undecrepit adjective
• decrepitude noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrepit¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin dēcrepitus, literally, “broken down,” equivalent to dē- de- + crep(āre) “to crack” + -i- -i- + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrepit¹

C15: from Latin dēcrepitus, from crepāre to creak

Synonym Study

See weak.

Example Sentences

It is so decrepit that it has served as a post-apocalyptic setting for music videos by stars such as Drake, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.

From Los Angeles Times

The building is decrepit, with peeling paint, rusted pipes, and crumbling toilets in each cramped cell.

From BBC

The government has referred to the ships as being "decrepit and dangerous" as well as being responsible for "reckless seafaring".

From BBC

My kids became middle-aged before I became decrepit.

From Los Angeles Times

The same source pointed out that "with decrepit hospital buildings a new leadership structure won't make it any easier to carry out operations and care for patients".

From BBC

Related Words

• battered 
• broken-down 
• creaky 
• dilapidated 
• feeble 
• flimsy 
• frail 
• infirm 
• ramshackle 
• rickety 
• run down 
• seedy 
• shabby