derelict
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for derelict, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Abandoned and left to fall into disrepair.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
abandoned ship
bedraggled
creaky
delinquent
remiss
neglectful
dilapidated
decrepit
ramshackle
tatterdemalion
Antonyms
How to use derelict
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
derelict building
derelict ship
fall derelict
Etymology
From Latin derelictus, "completely abandoned," the past participle of derelinquere, "to abandon utterly."
Full origin of derelict →Frequently asked questions
What does “derelict” mean?
The word “derelict” means abandoned and left to fall into disrepair. In plain terms, left to rot or fall apart because nobody is looking after it anymore.
How do you pronounce “derelict”?
“Derelict” is pronounced DEHR-uh-lihkt (/ˈdɛɹəˌlɪk(t)/ in IPA).
How do you use “derelict” in a sentence?
Here is “derelict” used in a sentence: “The derelict factory has been empty for over a decade.”
What part of speech is “derelict”?
Depending on how it is used, “derelict” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “derelict” come from?
The word “derelict” comes from Latin. From Latin derelictus, "completely abandoned," the past participle of derelinquere, "to abandon utterly.".
How many meanings does “derelict” have?
“Derelict” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: abandoned and left to fall into disrepair.
