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
Examples of decrepit in a Sentence
My decrepit car barely starts.
Recent Examples on the Web
Directions to houseguests ran several paragraphs and could include a plane, trains, taxis, a ferry, another ferry, then miles and miles on foot down a decrepit, often impassable rural lane.
—
Stephen Metcalf, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2024
The real-world impact of this plan is currently being felt by society at all levels but is particularly more pernicious for lower income groups with limited-to-no savings and a decrepit safety net (that the Milei administration is purposefully diluting).
—Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
But despite the decrepit nature of the vessel that has long since been seaworthy, the Philippine government has reportedly kept marines stationed on the vessel to stake claim to the contested area, according to the U.S. Naval Institute.
—Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 28 Mar. 2024
The country agreed to invest $33 million into replacing the decrepit plant and has also contributed $50 million toward the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant.
—Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2024
The decrepit building is also overrun with cockroaches, mold, defective elevators and out-of-order bathrooms, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told city council members at a Criminal Justice Committee meeting.
—Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024
When Putin announced his intention to run for a third term, a meme of the Russian president morphing into the decrepit Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev went viral, an image that featured in opposition protests.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024
Once cramped and decrepit, the new 850,000-square-foot, four-story terminal is now bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows, modern amenities, and eye-catching public art.
—Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Mar. 2024
There lives Edward’s decrepit mother, Amelia (Anabela Moreira), and his lithe, long-haired twin brother, Manuel (also Cotta, sporting a cryptic smile).
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 28 Feb. 2024
Stephen Metcalf, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2024
The real-world impact of this plan is currently being felt by society at all levels but is particularly more pernicious for lower income groups with limited-to-no savings and a decrepit safety net (that the Milei administration is purposefully diluting).
—Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
But despite the decrepit nature of the vessel that has long since been seaworthy, the Philippine government has reportedly kept marines stationed on the vessel to stake claim to the contested area, according to the U.S. Naval Institute.
—Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 28 Mar. 2024
The country agreed to invest $33 million into replacing the decrepit plant and has also contributed $50 million toward the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant.
—Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2024
The decrepit building is also overrun with cockroaches, mold, defective elevators and out-of-order bathrooms, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told city council members at a Criminal Justice Committee meeting.
—Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024
When Putin announced his intention to run for a third term, a meme of the Russian president morphing into the decrepit Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev went viral, an image that featured in opposition protests.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024
Once cramped and decrepit, the new 850,000-square-foot, four-story terminal is now bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows, modern amenities, and eye-catching public art.
—Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Mar. 2024
There lives Edward’s decrepit mother, Amelia (Anabela Moreira), and his lithe, long-haired twin brother, Manuel (also Cotta, sporting a cryptic smile).
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 28 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decrepit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin decrepitus
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of decrepit was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near decrepit
Cite this Entry
“Decrepit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decrepit. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
decrepit
adjective
de·crep·it
di-ˈkrep-ət
: broken down with age : worn-out
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