ramshackle

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective in deplorable condition

Etymology

First attested in 1830, a back-formation from ramshackled, from ransackled, past participle of ransackle (“to ransack”), frequentative of Middle English ransaken (“to pillage”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

bedraggled, broken-down, derelict, dilapidated, tatterdemalion, tumble-down

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