Ramshackle

Pronunciation

• enPR: rămʹshăk'É™l, IPA: /ˈræmˌʃæk.É™l/

Origin

First attested 1830, Back-formation from {{3}}, from ransackled, past participle of ransackle ("to ransack"), frequentative of Middle English ransaken ("to pillage").

Full definition of ramshackle

Adjective

1. In disrepair or disorder; poorly maintained; lacking upkeep, usually of buildings or vehicles.
• ThackerayThere came ... my lord the cardinal, in his ramshackle coach.
2. They stayed in a ramshackle cabin on the beach.He entered the ramshackle bus, and was driven a long distance through very sandy streets to the hotel on the St. Lawrence.
• 2012, September 7, Dominic Fifield, England start World Cup campaign with five-goal romp against Moldova, So ramshackle was the locals' attempt at defence that, with energetic wingers pouring into the space behind panicked full-backs and centre-halves dizzied by England's movement, it was cruel to behold at times. The contest did not extend beyond the half-hour mark.

Synonyms

• (in disrepair or disorder) bedraggled, broken-down, dilapidated, rickety, ruinous, rundown, tatterdemalion, tumbledown