What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decrepit
Example
The decrepit old man struggled to walk without assistance. [decrepit: adjective]
Example
The decrepit house had broken windows and a sagging roof. [decrepit: adjective]
decayed
Example
The fruit had decayed and was no longer edible. [decayed: verb]
Example
The abandoned building had decayed over the years and was now unsafe to enter. [decayed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decrepit is less common than decayed in everyday language. Decrepit is more specific and often used to describe living things or man-made objects, while decayed is more versatile and can be used to describe a wider range of objects and materials.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decrepit and decayed?
Both decrepit and decayed are relatively formal words and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, decayed is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
