What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decrepit
Example
The decrepit old house was in desperate need of repair. [decrepit: adjective]
Example
The elderly man walked with a decrepit gait. [decrepit: adjective]
Example
The decrepit bridge was closed for safety reasons. [decrepit: adjective]
ramshackle
Example
The ramshackle shed barely stood up to the strong winds. [ramshackle: adjective]
Example
The old truck was so ramshackle that it broke down on the way to the store. [ramshackle: adjective]
Example
The ramshackle fence was held together by wire and duct tape. [ramshackle: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ramshackle is less common than decrepit in everyday language. Decrepit is a more versatile word that can be used to describe a wider range of objects and situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decrepit and ramshackle?
Both decrepit and ramshackle are informal words that are more commonly used in casual conversation than in formal writing or speech.
