ramshackle
|ram-shack-le|
C1
/ˈræmˌʃækəl/
severely disrepaired
Etymology
Etymology Information
'ramshackle' originates from the English dialect word 'ramshackled,' which was a variant of 'ransackled,' derived from 'ransack,' meaning 'to search through or plunder.'
Historical Evolution
'ramshackled' changed from the English dialect word 'ransackled' and eventually became the modern English word 'ramshackle.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to search through or plunder,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'in a state of severe disrepair.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
in a state of severe disrepair, especially of a house or vehicle.
The ramshackle house was barely standing after the storm.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39