Pronunciation: [dˈɛɹɪlˌɪkts] (IPA) 
The word "derelicts" is spelled with an "e" between the "l" and the "i". This is because the word is derived from the Latin word "derelictus" which means "abandoned". The "e" serves as a glide between the two consonants to make the word easier to pronounce. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as /ˈdɛrəˌlɪkts/ with each symbol representing a specific sound in the English language.
Derelicts refer to individuals or objects that have been abandoned or neglected, often resulting in a state of disrepair or disuse. The term can be used to describe both people and things.
When referring to people, derelicts commonly refer to those who are homeless, destitute, or living in extreme poverty. They often lack a permanent residence or reliable means of income, making it difficult for them to maintain any semblance of stability in their lives. Some derelicts might suffer from mental health issues or addiction, further exacerbating their marginalized condition.
In the context of objects or structures, derelicts describe abandoned or neglected buildings, vehicles, or equipment. These items are typically left in an uncared state, with noticeable signs of deterioration, such as rot, decay, or decay. Derelict objects often become eyesores and may pose safety risks if not properly attended to or dealt with.
Overall, the term "derelicts" implies a sense of abandonment, neglect, and forsakenness, encompassing both human and inanimate subjects. The word highlights the unfortunate circumstances faced by individuals or objects that have been left to deteriorate or be disregarded, often prompting the need for intervention, restoration, or assistance.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "derelict" originated from the Latin word "derelictus", which is the past participle of the verb "derelinquere". "Derelinquere" is derived from two Latin roots: "de-" meaning "completely" or "thoroughly", and "relinquere" meaning "to leave behind" or "abandon". Therefore, "derelictus" can be translated as "completely abandoned" or "deserted".
Over time, the word "derelict" has been applied to various contexts, including abandoned ships, neglected buildings, and people who have been abandoned or deserted. The plural form, "derelicts", refers to multiple abandoned or neglected things or individuals.
