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Ramshackle: meaning, definitions and examples

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ramshackle

 

[ ˈræmˌʃækəl ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

old house

in a state of severe disrepair

Synonyms

dilapidated, run-down, shabby

Examples of usage

  • The ramshackle old house was barely standing.
  • The ramshackle fence was falling down.
Context #2 | Noun

structure

a loosely built, rickety structure

Synonyms

hovel, shack, shanty

Examples of usage

  • The children built a ramshackle fort out of old boards.
  • The ramshackle hut provided shelter for the night.

Translations

Translations of the word "ramshackle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 decrépito

🇮🇳 जीर्ण-शीर्ण

🇩🇪 baufällig

🇮🇩 bobrok

🇺🇦 розвалений

🇵🇱 walący się

🇯🇵 ぼろぼろの

🇫🇷 délabré

🇪🇸 ruinoso

🇹🇷 harabe

🇰🇷 허름한

🇸🇦 متهدم

🇨🇿 rozpadlý

🇸🇰 rozpadnutý

🇨🇳 摇摇欲坠的

🇸🇮 razpadajoč

🇮🇸 hruninn

🇰🇿 қираған

🇬🇪 დანგრეული

🇦🇿 uçmaq üzrə

🇲🇽 ruinoso

Word origin

The word 'ramshackle' originated in the early 19th century from the combination of 'ram' (loose, disorderly) and 'shackle' (to fasten or secure). It was initially used to describe something loosely put together or in a state of disrepair. Over time, 'ramshackle' has become a common term to describe old, dilapidated structures or things in a state of severe disrepair.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,129, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.