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Definitions

run-down

[ruhn-doun] / ˈrʌnˈdaʊn /
ADJECTIVE
shabby, in bad shape
Synonyms
STRONGEST
broken-down crumbling decrepit derelict deserted desolate dilapidated dingy neglected ramshackle rickety seedy tacky
WEAK
abandoned beat-up below par debilitated dog-eared down-at-the-heel drained enervated exhausted fatigued forsaken frowzy in a bad way old out of condition peaked ratty tattered tired tumble-down uncared-for under the weather unhealthy untended used up weak weary worn-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
nice populated sound stable used
WEAK
OK fresh good healthy
run down
VERB
ridicule
Synonyms
STRONGEST
knock
WEAK
belittle criticize decry defame denigrate depreciate derogate detract diminish disparage dispraise downcry make fun of opprobriate revile speak ill of vilify
Antonyms
WEAK
praise
ADJECTIVE
shabby, in bad shape
Synonyms
STRONGEST
broken-down crumbling decrepit derelict deserted desolate dilapidated dingy neglected ramshackle rickety seedy tacky
WEAK
abandoned beat up below par debilitated dog-eared down-at-the-heel drained enervated exhausted fatigued forsaken frowzy in a bad way old out of condition peaked ratty tattered tired tumble-down uncared-for under the weather unhealthy untended used-up weak weary worn-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
nice populated sound stable used
WEAK
OK fresh good healthy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They worked for a false-teeth manufacturer and put food on the table, but the family of four lived in a run-down Tampa, Fla., neighborhood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Here is a run-down of what has happened to the family members:

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

It's no easy task in the run-down former mining town, with those interested in fashion careers looking to places such as Glasgow, around an hour's drive away, or even further afield.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

It sat run-down and vacant until 2019, when a campaign to revitalize it gained steam.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

We stopped at a run-down house in an inner-city neighborhood that we were told served as temporary housing for refugees.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana