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

Related Words

• dilapidated
• weak
• feeble
• faint
• frail
• broken-down
• infirm
• wasted
• debilitated
• enfeebled
• weakened
• run-down
• disabled
• down-and-out
• broken
• wimpy
• softened
• wrecked
• languid
• 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

Dissimilar Words

• 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of decrepit

The island’s decrepit power system uses aging thermal power plants from the former Soviet Union. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026

As if things could not get worse, the burning wreckage from an ill-conceived and failed US rescue attempt was put on full display and the visible proof of America’s declined and decrepit foreign policy was international front-page news. —Bill Keane, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026

The Spurs aren’t exactly decrepit. —Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 26 Feb. 2026

The character is a decrepit monster, hundreds of years old, feeding off the blood of young women — and Besson presents him as a romantic martyr for love. —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026