What does derelict mean?
Word: Derelict
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Derelict means left empty and in very bad condition because no one has looked after it.
Synonyms: neglected
How do you spell derelict?
Syllables: der - e - lict
Tricky part: Lect is the ending many write by mistake, perhaps from words like select. This one is spelt lict.
Watch out for: derelect, derelikt, derelicte
Memory tip: Conflict finishes with the same four letters, so let that word guide your ending.
Derelict in a sentence
Example 1: A derelict boat lay half buried in the sand.
Example 2: The council plans to turn the derelict cinema into a community hall.
Example 3: Weeds had taken over the derelict garden behind the school.
Fun Fact
Sailors use the word too. A ship left adrift at sea by its crew is known as a derelict, and the word comes from a Latin verb meaning to forsake.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Three of these words are spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of the one that is not.
1. ancient 2. derrelict 3. vacant 4. rustic
a) very old, from long ago
b) simple and typical of the countryside
c) not being used by anyone just now
d) run down through long neglect
Show answer
d) run down through long neglect. A doubled r is the slip in derrelict.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word derelict as used in the sentence:
Trees now grow through the roof of the derelict railway station on the edge of our town.
a) abandoned
b) expensive
c) modern
d) crowded
Show answer
a) abandoned. With trees growing through its roof, the station has clearly been abandoned.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the word in the sentence and choose it:
Volunteers painted murals on the ecdeltir mill and turned it into a small art gallery.
a) directly
b) dedicate
c) delicate
d) derelict
Show answer
d) derelict. Two e's, one i and an r with no a or y lead only to derelict.
Word Cookie
Insert the correct pair of letters to form a word:
d_r_lict
a) e,e
b) e,i
c) a,e
d) i,e
Show answer
a) e,e. Both gaps take the same vowel, an e.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What would you most expect to see at a derelict house?
a) broken windows and weeds in the yard
b) fresh paint and a new front door
c) a family unpacking on moving day
d) guests arriving for a family party
Show answer
a) broken windows and weeds in the yard
2. Which action would do most to help a derelict building?
a) taking a photograph of it for a book
b) putting up a sign with its old name
c) repairing the roof and the walls
d) locking its front gate for a year
Show answer
c) repairing the roof and the walls
