"Dilapidated" is spelled as /dɪˈlæpɪdeɪtɪd/. The word is derived from the Latin "dilapidare", which means to destroy, ruin or waste. The word's spelling is complex as it contains five vowels and six consonants, making it challenging for people to accurately spell it. Its pronunciation is relatively straightforward, starting with the soft "d" sound, moving onto the short "i" and "a" sounds, and ending with a stress on the final "ted". Despite its complex spelling, its meaning remains clear – something that is in poor condition, rundown, or worn-out.
Dilapidated is an adjective that is used to describe something, typically a building or structure, that is in a state of severe disrepair or decay. It refers to a condition where the item or structure has fallen into a state of ruin, neglect, or deterioration.
When an object or a building is considered dilapidated, it means that it is run-down, shabby, or in a state of disuse. The term implies that the item was once in a better state but, due to neglect or lack of maintenance, has deteriorated significantly.
A dilapidated structure often exhibits signs of decay, such as crumbling walls, broken windows, sagging roofs, or overgrown vegetation. It may also have structural issues, such as unstable foundations or damaged frameworks. The overall appearance of a dilapidated building is generally one of neglect and abandonment.
This term can also extend beyond physical objects or structures and be used metaphorically to describe something that is in a state of decline or deterioration. For example, one might refer to a dilapidated relationship as one that is broken, neglected, or lacking in attention and care.
Overall, dilapidated refers to a state of severe disrepair or decay, either physically or metaphorically. It emphasizes the poor condition or neglect that an object or situation has fallen into.
Wasted; suffered to go to ruin.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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 "dilapidated" originated from the Latin word "dilapidare", which means "to scatter, disperse, or ruin". This Latin term is a compound of "dis-" (indicating negation or reversal) and "lapidare" (meaning "to stone" or "to throw stones"). In its original sense, "dilapidate" referred to the act of destroying or rendering something into a state of disrepair by throwing stones at it, particularly applied to buildings or structures. Over time, "dilapidate" evolved into the adjective "dilapidated", which describes something in a state of decay, ruin, or disrepair.