noun

dilapidation

dih-lap-ih-DAY-shun/dɪˌlæpɪˈdeɪʃn/

A state of severe disrepair or decay.

The sagging roof and rotting porch reveal the house's severe dilapidation.

A neglected small house with a sagging roof, missing shingles, cracked masonry, rotting porch boards, and weeds growing through the steps makes long-term decay and serious disrepair immediately visible.

Etymology

diLatinapart, asunder

+lapidLatinstone

+ationLatinaction or process

The Latin pieces probably evoke “scattering like stones,” an image behind squandering or waste. English applied the word more literally to ruin and decay, especially through misuse or neglect.

In context

Bitesized Audio Classics34:28

it was in the last stage of dilapidation. Every part of it was not only out of repair, but in a condition of decay.

The Phantom Coach | A Ghost Story by Amelia B. Edwards | A Bitesized Audio Production

More examples

Inspectors document widespread dilapidation throughout the abandoned factory.
Despite its dilapidation, the old theater still attracts restoration volunteers.
Leaking roofs and crumbling walls reveal the school's advanced dilapidation.

Forms

dilapidated adjective — In a state of serious disrepair.

Similar words

disrepair: Emphasizes poor condition requiring repairs, not necessarily advanced decay.
decay: Emphasizes gradual deterioration rather than the resulting ruined condition.
ruin: Suggests more complete destruction or loss of structural usefulness.