adj
decrepit
dih-KREHP-iht
Decrepit (adj) means Weakened, worn out, or in poor condition, typically from age or long use. Example: “The decrepit old barn looked ready to collapse in the next storm.”
adj
1
Weakened, worn out, or in poor condition, typically from age or long use.
"The decrepit old barn looked ready to collapse in the next storm."
"He felt decrepit after the long illness, barely able to climb the stairs."
How to use decrepit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOld, worn-out, and falling apart — whether describing a building, vehicle, or a person's body.
Common pairings
decrepit building
decrepit old man
fall into decrepit condition
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more decrepit
- Superlative
- most decrepit
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ old barn looked ready to collapse in the next storm.
Etymology
From Middle French décrépit, from Latin dēcrepitus ("very old"), related to crepāre ("to creak").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “decrepit” mean?
The word “decrepit” means weakened, worn out, or in poor condition, typically from age or long use. In plain terms, old, worn-out, and falling apart — whether describing a building, vehicle, or a person's body.
How do you pronounce “decrepit”?
“Decrepit” is pronounced dih-KREHP-iht (/dɪˈkɹɛp.ɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “decrepit” in a sentence?
Here is “decrepit” used in a sentence: “The decrepit old barn looked ready to collapse in the next storm.”
What part of speech is “decrepit”?
“Decrepit” is an adjective.
Where does the word “decrepit” come from?
The word “decrepit” comes from Latin. From Middle French décrépit, from Latin dēcrepitus ("very old"), related to crepāre ("to creak").
