decrepit

adjective

de·​crep·​it di-ˈkre-pət 

1

: wasted and weakened by or as if by the infirmities of old age

a decrepit old man

2

a

: impaired by use or wear : worn-out

a decrepit school bus

b

: fallen into ruin or disrepair

a decrepit industry

3

: dilapidated, run-down

an old, decrepit hotel

decrepitly adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for decrepit

weak, feeble, frail, fragile, infirm, decrepit mean not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort.

weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or disabling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

Examples of decrepit in a Sentence

My decrepit car barely starts.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the film, the decrepit vampire Orlok is obsessed with Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), the wife of Thomas Hutter (Hoult). —Tim Lammers, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

In the dog days of summer, the kids discover a decrepit house and the old man (Rentaro Mikuni) who lives there alone. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025

For over a century, Pappas has provided a haven for Massachusetts’ most vulnerable children and young adults despite some of the buildings on the 160-plus acre campus falling decrepit and not meeting today’s modern standards. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2025

And until armed gangs, weeks later, raided their prison, they were kept in decrepit, inhumane conditions since their arrest two years earlier. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin decrepitus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

decrepit

adjective

de·​crep·​it di-ˈkrep-ət 

: broken down with age : worn-out