decrepitude

noun

de·​crep·​i·​tude di-ˈkre-pə-ˌtüd How to pronounce decrepitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
Synonyms of decrepitudenext
: the quality or state of being decrepit

Examples of decrepitude in a Sentence

The house has fallen into decrepitude.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In playing the character later on, was there a sort of reverse-engineering of his decrepitude? — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025 Half a century later Mikhailov repurposed those methods to thumb his nose at the decrepitude and deceit of a sclerotic regime. — Max Norman, The New York Review of Books, 22 Feb. 2025 If that’s not enough for perennial contention, then the rest of the AFC East’s decrepitude will keep that window wide open. — Tim Graham, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 The clinics’ decrepitude was regularly mentioned in health ministry meetings. — Mara Kardas-Nelson, The Dial, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decrepitude

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decrepitude was in 1603

Rhymes for decrepitude

See All Rhymes for decrepitude

Browse Nearby Words

decrepitness
decrepitude
decrepity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decrepitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decrepitude. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

decrepitude

noun
de·​crep·​i·​tude di-ˈkrep-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce decrepitude (audio)
: the quality or state of being decrepit : loss of strength or sturdiness especially from old age

More from Merriam-Webster on decrepitude

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for decrepitude

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