Words / C2

DER-uh-likt/ˈderəlɪkt/

Derelict means abandoned and in poor condition, or neglectful of a duty: a derelict building, derelict in a duty. Dilapidated (already in the dictionary) is run-down from age or neglect, of condition not of a person; to neglect (already in the dictionary) is the everyday verb. Scrupulous (already in the dictionary) care is the opposite flavour. A pretty organogram does not name the night post.

Meaning

Abandoned and in poor condition; also neglectful of a duty.

Examples

• “Do not be derelict in naming the fire warden because the organogram is pretty.”
• “Dilapidated is run-down from age (already in C1). To neglect is to fail in care (already in B2). Scrupulous is carefully honest (already in C2) — the contrast. A named residual risk can still be exact. A chart that never states the night post is a hole. Write the rota; then the architecture.”

Good to know

Abandoned; neglectful of duty. Close: dilapidated (already in C1); neglect (already in B2). Contrast: scrupulous (already in C2). A chart ≠ a warden.

Near in meaning

abandoned, neglected, dilapidated, remiss

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