ramshackle — in a state of severe disrepair; extremely shabby and falling apart
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: in a state of severe disrepair; extremely shabby and falling apart
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈræmˌʃækəl/
Example Sentences
- My grandfather's ramshackle pickup truck makes more noise than a rock concert.
- The ramshackle bridge looked so unstable that even the fish swam around it.
- They lived in a ramshackle apartment where the walls were so thin you could hear the neighbors' thoughts.
ramshackle
ADJECTIVE[/ˈræmˌʃækəl/]
in a state of severe disrepair; extremely shabby and falling apart

Severely dilapidated and falling apart

Tackle the ramshackle shed as old paint starts to crackle!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the verb 'ramshack' (to wreck or demolish), which is likely derived from the obsolete verb 'ransack' meaning to search thoroughly or plunder. The -le suffix was added to create an adjective form.
Breakdown
ram- (intensive prefix) + shack (to shake/wreck) + -le (adjectival suffix) = ramshackle
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandfather's ramshackle pickup truck makes more noise than a rock concert.”
“The ramshackle bridge looked so unstable that even the fish swam around it.”
“They lived in a ramshackle apartment where the walls were so thin you could hear the neighbors' thoughts.”
“The ramshackle school building desperately needed renovation to ensure student safety.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.