Synonyms of derelict
94 similar words
Another word for derelict is desert. Other synonyms of derelict are deserted, desolate, forsaken, run-down and forlorn.
Synonyms and similar words for derelict
adjectiveGiven up by the guardian or owner; abandoned, forsaken.
- dropped
- forlornAbandoned, deserted, left behind.
- abandoned
- desertUsually of a place: abandoned, deserted, or uninhabited.
- desertedAbandoned, without people.
- desolateDeserted and devoid of inhabitants.
- discarded
- forsakenDeserted; abandoned.
- high and dryAbandoned, stranded, helpless.
- left behindA usually socially conservative member of the working class whose income is stagnating or falling in purchasing power.
- orphanedAbandoned.
adjectiveOf property: in a poor state due to abandonment or neglect; dilapidated, neglected.
- crumbling
- rundown
- shabbyOf clothing, a place, etc.: unkempt and worn or otherwise in poor condition due to age or neglect; scruffy.
- tacky
- scroungyDirty or shabby.
- mean
- beat
- beat upBattered by time and usage; beaten up.
- beaten up
- bedraggledDecaying, decrepit or dilapidated.
- broken-down
- dilapidatedHaving fallen into a state of disrepair or deterioration, especially through neglect.
- draggled
- neglectedSuffering from neglect; uncared-for.
- ramshackle
- ruinous
- run-downDecrepit.
- seedy
- tatterdemalionTattered.
- timeworn
- tumbledownIn disrepair; poorly maintained.
adjectiveAdrift, lost.
- anchorlessLacking an anchor; adrift.
adjectiveNegligent in performing a duty; careless.
- neglectfulTending to neglect; failing to take care of matters which require attention; forgetful.
- unfaithful
- careless
- cursoryCareless or desultory.
- heedlessUnaware; without noticing; careless; inattentive.
- irregardlessIrrespective, regardless.
- irrespective
- lax
- incautiousCareless, reckless, not exercising proper caution.
- negligent
- reckless
- regardlessTaking insufficient regard of; heedless; careless.
- remissNot energetic or exact in duty or business; careless; tardy; slack; hence, lacking earnestness or activity; languid...
- slack
- slapdashProduced or carried out hastily; haphazard; careless.
- sloppyCareless, messy; not neat, elegant, or careful.
- slovenly
- slipshod
- lash obsolete
nounA homeless or jobless person; a vagrant; also, a person who is (perceived as) negligent in their...
- bumA homeless person, usually a man.
- stiff
- clochardA beggar or tramp, especially in France.
- deroA homeless person, a tramp; a social derelict, especially an alcoholic.
- down-and-outSynonym of down-and-outer.
- down-and-outerSomeone who is down and out.
- drifter
- floaterA person who frequently changes where they live; a drifter, a vagrant.
- gadling
- hobo
- landleaperSynonym of landlouper.
- landloper
- landlouperA vagabond; a vagrant.
- nomad
- pike
- piker
- ranger
- rogue
- rolling stone
- rough sleeperA homeless person who sleeps outdoors.
- skell
- stroller
- stumblebum
- swagmanA man who travels around with a swag (“bundle of personal items”); specifically, an itinerant person, often seeking...
- swaggieA swagman.
- toerag
- trampA homeless person; a vagabond.
- vagabond
- vagrantA person without settled employment or habitation who usually supports himself or herself by begging or some dishonest...
- wanderer
- waifA person (especially a child) who is homeless and without means of support; also, a person excluded from society; an...
- casual dated
- epithite obsoleteA lazy, worthless fellow; a vagrant.
- Jack out of doors obsoleteA homeless person, or vagrant.
- knight of the road obsolete
- paker obsoleteA vagrant, stroller.
- palliard archaicA beggar or vagrant, especially a professional one; (earlier especially) a lecher.
- scatterling obsoleteOne who has no fixed residence; a vagabond.
- skelder obsoleteA vagrant or cheat.
- truant obsoleteSynonym of sturdy beggar (“a person who was fit and able to work, but lived as a beggar or vagrant instead”); hence, a...
- yagger Scotland, archaic
nounA person who is negligent in performing a duty.
- shirkerOne who shirks a duty or responsibility.
Meaning of derelict
- adjective Given up by the guardian or owner; abandoned, forsaken.
- adjective Of a ship: abandoned at sea; of a spacecraft: abandoned in outer space.
- adjective Of property: in a poor state due to abandonment or neglect; dilapidated, neglected.
derelict in other languages
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Source and license
Adapted from Wiktionary: derelict (page history and authors) and the entries of the words listed. Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws grouped the synonyms and antonyms by meaning and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.
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Cite this page: “Synonyms of derelict.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/synonyms/derelict. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.