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derelict

[ der-uh-likt ]
/ ˈdɛr ə lɪkt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR derelict

adjective

left or deserted, as by the owner or guardian; abandoned: a derelict ship.
neglectful of duty; delinquent; negligent.

noun

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Origin of derelict

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin dērelictus “forsaken” (past participle of dērelinquere ), equivalent to dē- “from, away from” + relictus, past participle of relinquere “to leave, abandon”; see de-, relinquish

OTHER WORDS FROM derelict

der·e·lict·ly, adverbder·e·lict·ness, nounnon·der·e·lict, adjective, noun

Words nearby derelict

derecognize, deregister, deregulate, dereism, Derek, derelict, dereliction, derencephaly, derepress, derepression, derequisition
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to derelict

desolate, run-down, shabby, dilapidated, neglected, ruined, dingy, seedy, vagrant, beggar, slack, delinquent, solitary, castaway, renegade, tramp, stiff, outcast, drifter, bum

Example sentences from the Web for derelict

British Dictionary definitions for derelict

derelict
/ (ˈdɛrɪlɪkt) /

adjective

deserted or abandoned, as by an owner, occupant, etc
falling into ruins; neglected; dilapidated
neglectful of duty or obligation; remiss

noun

Word Origin for derelict

C17: from Latin dērelictus forsaken, from dērelinquere to abandon, from de- + relinquere to leave
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012