Derelict Definition & Meaning
derelict
- adjective
- worn and broken down by hard use; "a creaky shack"; "a decrepit bus...its seats held together with friction tape"; "a flea-bitten sofa"; "a run-down neighborhood"; "a woebegone old shack"
- forsaken by owner or inhabitants ; "weed-grown yard of an abandoned farmhouse"
- failing in what duty requires; "derelict (or delinquent) in his duty"; "neglectful of his duties"; "remiss of you not to pay your bills"
- in deplorable condition; "a street of bedraggled tenements"; "a broken-down fence"; "a ramshackle old pier"; "a tumble- down shack"
- noun
- a person without a home, job, or property
- a ship abandoned on the high seas
"Derelict" in song lyrics
See how derelict is used in real songs:
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"On the racks but my label is Derelict"
3rd Bass — Derelicts of Dialect -
"My ultrasonic logic is uncommon derelict"
Bronze Nazareth f/ Kevlaar 7 — Poisonous Saliva -
"You can't mess with Eric the Derelict"
The High & Mighty — The Half
Words that rhyme with derelict
Usage tips for "derelict"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "derelict" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for derelict to find words that pair well.