What does disrepair mean?
Disrepair is an uncountable noun describing the state of something—typically a building, vehicle, or piece of infrastructure—that has deteriorated because it has not been properly maintained. A structure in disrepair may have a leaking roof, crumbling walls, broken fixtures, or other faults that make it unsafe or unusable. The word almost always appears in the phrases "fall into disrepair" or "in a state of disrepair," and it carries a connotation of neglect: things do not simply end up in disrepair by accident, but because someone failed to care for them. For this reason the term is common in legal contexts such as landlord–tenant disputes, housing inspections, and insurance claims, as well as in journalism about aging bridges, schools, and historic buildings. Slightly formal in tone, it is more precise than vague alternatives like "bad shape," making it a useful word whenever the emphasis falls on deferred maintenance rather than sudden damage.
nounA state of being damaged, neglected, or in need of repair; the condition of something that has been allowed to fall into poor working order.
- The state of being damaged or worn out through lack of maintenance and in need of repair.
"The old theatre had fallen into such disrepair that its balcony was closed to the public."
"After years of budget cuts, the bridge had slipped into serious disrepair."
"The landlord was cited for renting out apartments in obvious disrepair."
"Disrepair" is an uncountable noun and does not normally take a plural form.
"Much of the city's Victorian housing stock stands in disrepair."
Almost everything English says about neglecting buildings comes down to one phrase — 'fallen into disrepair' — a word so tied to decay that it's rarely used for anything that's still in good shape.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disrepair
"Disrepair" formed in English from the prefix "dis-" combined with "repair," which entered English from Old French "reparer." The French verb ultimately derives from Latin "reparare," meaning to restore or make ready again, formed from "re-" (again) plus "parare" (to prepare or arrange). It has been in use since roughly the early 17th century, and it shares its ultimate Latin root with words such as "repair," "reparation," "prepare," and "apparatus."
How disrepair is actually used
"Disrepair" is an uncountable noun with no plural form in ordinary use. It carries a slightly formal register and appears most often in writing about buildings, infrastructure, and property, frequently implying negligence by whoever was responsible for upkeep.
Easily confused with disrepair
"Disrepair" refers to physical deterioration of objects or buildings, while "disrepute" means loss of good reputation.