Definition

Describing a building or structure that is in very poor condition and likely to fall apart.

Example

They found a tumbledown cottage at the edge of the forest.

Conversation

Did you see that old house down the street?

Yeah, it looks so tumbledown and abandoned.

I wonder how long it's been like that.

Probably years! It’s kind of sad to see it in such bad shape.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tumbledown → It is formed from "tumble" (from Middle English *tumblen*, meaning to fall or roll) and "down" (from Old English *dūn*, meaning down or downward). The word describes something that has fallen down or is in a state of disrepair, often used to refer to a dilapidated structure.

Memory Tip

Imagine something that has 'fallen' ('tumble') and is now 'down' — that's why tumbledown refers to something that has fallen into disrepair.

Visually Confused Words