ramshackle
UK[ˈræmˌʃæk.əl]US[ˈræmˌʃæk.əl]
adj
in a very bad condition and needing repair
adj
appearing ready to collapse; rickety or disorganized
Etymology
the word 'ramshackle' has a colorful, albeit somewhat obscure, etymological journey. it originated as an alteration of 'ransackle', an english verb meaning to search thoroughly or to pillage, which itself derived from the older scandinavian verb 'rannsaka' (to search a house). the core components of 'rannsaka' are 'rann' (house) and 'saka' (to search). over time, the sense evolved from the act of ransacking to describe the resulting state of disrepair and chaos left behind. thus, a 'ramshackle' building metaphorically looks as if it has been thoroughly ransacked, conveying a vivid image of neglect and impending collapse.
Analysis
the word 'ramshackle' is a 19th-century alteration of the now-obsolete verb 'ransackle', itself a frequentative form of 'ransack'. it is not productively formed from distinct, separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
they lived in a ramshackle cottage on the edge of the moor.
the team's ramshackle defense was easily penetrated by the opposition.
he put together a ramshackle collection of old parts to make the machine work.