derelict

derelict — adjective

1. A place such as a building, house, or factory that is derelict has been left uno

1.形容詞B2
釋義

A place such as a building, house, or factory that is derelict has been left unoccupied and uncared for, causing it to fall into a state of serious decay or damage.

例句

The derelict cinema on High Street had its roof partly caved in and its walls covered with damp.

collocation: derelict + cinema / building / factory

Aiko's uncle bought a derelict cottage near the lake and spent three years restoring it.

contrast: derelict → restored by renovation

同義詞
  • abandoned

    Focuses on being left behind; does not necessarily imply decay

  • dilapidated

    Describes the state of disrepair more than the cause of abandonment

  • neglected

    Weaker than derelict; can apply to people or things that have not been cared for but are not necessarily abandoned

  • ruined

    Suggests more complete destruction than derelict typically implies

反義詞
  • well-maintained

    Kept in good condition through regular care

  • restored

    Repaired and returned to good condition after being derelict

文法句型

derelict + noun (building, factory, house, land)

become / lie / stand + derelict

用法筆記

Frequently used attributively before nouns naming types of structures (derelict building, derelict house). Can also appear predictively: 'The house was derelict.' Distinguished from 'abandoned,' which describes only the state of being left behind, not the resulting decay.

常見錯誤

❌The abandoned car had been parked there for a week.
✅The derelict car had rusted doors and grass growing through the floor.
💡'Abandoned' means simply left behind; 'derelict' adds the meaning of decayed or damaged from lack of care.

2. A person, especially someone in an official or professional position, who is der

2.形容詞C1
釋義

A person, especially someone in an official or professional position, who is derelict fails to carry out the tasks or responsibilities that their role or job requires of them.

例句

The night-shift nurse was found derelict in her duty when she left patients alone for over two hours.

pattern: derelict in + possessive + duty

A government report criticised the council for being derelict in its responsibility to inspect public playgrounds for safety.

formal register: legal / official context

同義詞
  • negligent

    More common and slightly less formal; can apply to any failure to take proper care

  • remiss

    Similar formality but suggests a milder failure, often one of omission rather than active neglect

  • lax

    Informal; suggests a lack of strictness rather than a complete failure of duty

反義詞
  • conscientious

    Careful and thorough in carrying out duties

  • diligent

    Showing steady, careful effort in one's work

文法句型

derelict in + noun (duty, responsibility, obligation)

derelict in + possessive + duty/responsibility

用法筆記

Almost always followed by 'in' and a noun phrase naming the duty or obligation. Common in legal, journalistic, and official contexts. Stronger and more formal than 'negligent' — implies a clear standard of duty that has been violated.

常見錯誤

❌I was derelict to help my friend move house.
✅The security guard was derelict in his duty when he left the gate unlocked overnight.
💡Not used for casual social favours; applies only to formal duties or professional responsibilities.

derelict — noun