Synonyms of decrepit

decrepit

adjective

as in dilapidated

old and in bad condition or poor health

The decrepit building was badly in need of repair.

a decrepit old man

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dilapidated
• weak
• feeble
• faint
• broken-down
• frail
• infirm
• wasted
• lame
• debilitated
• enfeebled
• weakened
• run-down
• disabled
• down-and-out
• broken
• wimpy
• softened
• wrecked
• languid
• challenged
• effete
• unsubstantial
• slight
• prostrate
• soft
• damaged
• incapacitated
• asthenic
• low
• invalid
• delicate
• tender
• enervated
• destroyed
• wimpish
• sapped
• paralyzed
• impotent
• powerless
• prostrated
• injured
• hurt
• impaired
• unsound
• harmed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• new
• fresh
• brand-new
• maintained
• kept-up
• sturdy
• robust
• tough
• hardy
• hard
• lusty
• healthy
• sound
• powerful
• cared-for
• mighty
• strong
• rugged
• stalwart
• stout
• hale
• red-blooded

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective decrepit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of decrepit are feeble, fragile, frail, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When can feeble be used instead of decrepit?

The meanings of feeble and decrepit largely overlap; however, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When would fragile be a good substitute for decrepit?

In some situations, the words fragile and decrepit are roughly equivalent. However, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When might frail be a better fit than decrepit?

While the synonyms frail and decrepit are close in meaning, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When could infirm be used to replace decrepit?

Although the words infirm and decrepit have much in common, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

In what contexts can weak take the place of decrepit?

The words weak and decrepit can be used in similar contexts, but weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of decrepit

The sanctions target around 50 ships described as aging and often decrepit that are reportedly operating illegally to evade restrictions. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

His task is to get contracts signed for the purchase of a decrepit Wisborg mansion by the mysterious Count Orlok. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Dec. 2024

Many have sought shelter in Yarmouk sports stadium in Gaza City, where decrepit tents made of white cloth turned brown on Sunday following an evening of heavy rain. —Abeer Salman, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last week approved advancing legislation funding the revitalization of the decrepit RFK stadium site. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024