What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rickety
Example
The rickety old bridge swayed in the wind. [rickety: adjective]
Example
The bus was so rickety that it felt like it might fall apart at any moment. [rickety: adjective]
Example
The rickety table wobbled when I put my drink down. [rickety: adjective]
dilapidated
Example
The dilapidated old house had broken windows and a sagging roof. [dilapidated: adjective]
Example
The dilapidated car barely made it up the hill. [dilapidated: adjective]
Example
The dilapidated couch had holes in the cushions and springs poking out. [dilapidated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dilapidated is more commonly used than rickety in everyday language. Dilapidated is a stronger word that suggests a more severe level of deterioration, while rickety can have a slightly humorous or lighthearted connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rickety and dilapidated?
Both rickety and dilapidated are informal words that are used in casual conversation. However, dilapidated may be slightly more formal due to its stronger connotation and less common usage.
