decrepit

/dɪˈkrepɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈkrepɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈkre-pət/ (ame, mw)

decrepit — adjective

  • decrepitpositive
  • more decrepitcomparative
  • most decrepitsuperlative

1. describes something that is old and broken, often because it has been used too m

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes something that is old and broken, often because it has been used too much or not looked after properly — for example, an old armchair with torn fabric, a rusty bicycle, or a building whose walls are cracked and falling down. Can also describe an old person whose body has become very weak.

例句

The old wooden staircase in the house was so decrepit that Clara refused to walk on it.

predicative use: be + so decrepit + that-clause

A decrepit sofa sat on the pavement, its springs poking through the faded fabric.

attributive use: decrepit + noun, with describing phrase

同義詞
  • dilapidated

    mainly for buildings and structures; less common for people

  • run-down

    less formal; common for buildings and neighbourhoods, sometimes for health

  • shabby

    focuses on poor appearance due to wear; milder than decrepit

  • ramshackle

    suggests something poorly built and likely to collapse; more informal

反義詞

文法句型

decrepit + noun

be + decrepit

用法筆記

Commonly used for buildings, furniture, vehicles, and machinery. When used for a person, it emphasises weakness due to old age. Not typically used for temporary conditions.

常見錯誤

❌The fruit was decrepit after a week in the fridge.
✅The fruit was rotten after a week in the fridge.
💡'decrepit' is not used for food or organic decay.
❌She felt decrepit after running ten kilometres.
✅She felt exhausted after running ten kilometres.
💡'decrepit' implies long-term deterioration, not temporary tiredness.