decrepit

This term carries a heavy sense of decay and inevitable decline, evoking images of crumbling structures or failing health. It is more severe than words like old or worn, suggesting a state of near-collapse or extreme fragility that often results from long-term neglect or the natural exhaustion of life. When applied to people, the word can be perceived as harsh or clinical, emphasizing the physical breakdown of the body rather than the wisdom of age. In a structural context, it implies that a building is no longer functional or safe for use due to its dilapidated state.