The state of being in disrepair or ruin; the process of falling apart or deteriorating.
From Latin dilapidatio. Combines di- (apart) + lapidare (to stone/destroy). Used in architecture and property law to describe the state of buildings or structures in decay.
In British property law, tenants can be sued for 'dilapidations'—landlords demand money for damage and decay—making this a word that has real financial consequences for renters and homeowners.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.