Definition

Something that is dirty, contaminated, or in poor condition, often due to neglect or decay.

Example

The abandoned house had a flyblown appearance, with peeling paint and broken windows.

Conversation

Have you seen that old diner on Main Street?

Yeah, it looks really flyblown and rundown now.

I used to love eating there as a kid.

Me too, but now I wouldn't want to go back.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Flyblown → It is formed from "fly" (from Old English *flēoge*, meaning a small flying insect) and "blown" (from Old English *blāwan*, meaning to blow). The term originally describes something that has been contaminated or infested by flies, particularly in the context of decaying matter.

Memory Tip

Think of a small flying insect ('fly') that has 'blown' onto something, which helps you remember that 'flyblown' refers to something infested or contaminated by flies.

Visually Confused Words