Dilapidated is an interesting word with roots that date back at least to the sixteenth century. We will examine the definition of the word dilapidated, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences.
Dilapidated describes something that is run-down, something that is in disrepair or has gone to ruin. Most often, dilapidated refers to derelict buildings. Dilapidated is almost always used as an adjective. Dilapidate is the verb form, but it is considered archaic and is rarely used. The verb dilapidate first appeared in the early 1500s, though the adjective form did not appear until the early 1800s. Dilapidated is derived from the Latin word dilapidare, meaning to pummel with stones or to scatter thrown stones.
Examples
The owner of a dilapidated, long vacant former textile mill building on Jagger Mill Road is looking for a zone change to facilitate redevelopment. (The Biddeford Journal Tribune)
But the buildings languished for years, and on Tuesday, the Park Service announced it was canceling its lease and turning the dilapidated buildings back to the city. (The New Orleans Advocate)
“Since the building is dilapidated and unsafe for the children, as a measure of abundant caution, the students of the school may be shifted or adjusted to nearby schools with the consent of the parents,” it said. (The New Indian Express)
A removal gang of Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) on Sunday demolished a dilapidated overhead water tank located on the district court premises. (The Free Press Journal)
Nearly $1 million has been spent by the county land bank committee to demolish dilapidated houses inside city limits, according to information shared with city council this week. (The Morning Journal News)