derelict
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “derelict” mean?
noun.in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing urban decay, social issues, or historical contexts, emphasizing neglect and abandonment. It implies a sense of deterioration and loss, distinguishing it from similar words like "neglected," which may not convey the same extent of ruin or disregard.
Common Confusions
Derelict implies a state of severe neglect and deterioration, while neglected usually suggests a lack of attention without necessarily indicating the same extent of decay or ruin.
Do not choose derelict if the context emphasizes usefulness or good condition rather than being in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect.
Example Sentences
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There was a derelict ship on the island.
Word Parts: How to Remember “derelict”
Break “derelict” into its parts: de- (down, away, un-). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
de-down, away, un- (Latin)