adj · formal
derelict
/ˈdɛrəlɪkt/DER·e·lict
In a very poor condition because of neglect; abandoned and often unsafe.
Examples
“Several derelict warehouses line the old docks, posing a fire risk.”
“The council has received complaints about a derelict site that attracts vandals.”
“After the industry moved away, whole streets were left derelict.”
Band 8 sentence
“Many inner-city parcels of land remain derelict, deterring investment and undermining local regeneration efforts.”
Collocations
- derelict building
- lie derelict
- declare/condemn as derelict
Word family
Common mistakes
There are many derelict house in my town.→There are many derelict houses in my town.
The old mill was derelicted after it closed.→The old mill was left derelict after it closed.
Say it for a higher band
5old→6run-down→7+derelict
Synonyms
abandoned
run-down
Easily confused
abandoned
“The factory was abandoned after the company relocated overseas.”
Related words
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In Hometown & Housing
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