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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

more decrepit comparative, most decrepit superlative

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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").

Origin: Latin

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").