Definition of "dilapidation" [di•lap•i•da•tion]

• The state of being dilapidated, reduced to decay, partially ruined. (noun)
• The act of dilapidating, damaging a building or structure through neglect or by intention. (noun)
• Ecclesiastical waste: impairing of church property by an incumbent, through neglect or by intention. (noun)

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• "Cancer differs ... from heart disease and cirrhosis and the other lethal forms of physiological breakdown; uncontrolled cell reproduction, not organ dilapidation, is the problem."
• "The dilapidation was a pleasing reminiscence of old times, and George was pleased enough to earn a quarter by patching it up."
• "Age is here, but it does not suggest the idea of dilapidation or decay; rather of something which has been put under a glass case, and preserved with care from all extraneous influences."