run-down
UK[ˌrʌn ˈdaʊn]US[ˌrʌn ˈdaʊn]
adj
In poor physical condition; dilapidated or shabby.
adj
Tired and slightly unwell; exhausted.
Morpheme Breakdown
run
down
run
to move quickly
down
to a lower position
Etymology
The compound adjective 'run-down' originates from the phrasal verb 'to run down', which has been used since the 16th century with meanings related to pursuing and overtaking, as well as to criticizing. The modern adjectival senses emerged in the 19th century through metaphorical extension. The literal image is of something that has been pursued, worn out, or has 'run' until it is completely 'down' or depleted. This vivid metaphor logically connects the physical act of exhausting motion to the states of physical dilapidation and personal fatigue, encapsulating a decline from a former, better condition.
Analysis
Structure: run (to move quickly) + down (to a lower position)
- run: From Old English rinnan, iernan (to flow, to run). A Germanic verb indicating rapid motion.
- down: From Old English dūne (from the hill), a shortening of of dūne (from the hill). An adverbial particle indicating a downward direction or state of decline.
Examples
They lived in a run-down apartment on the edge of the city.
After working three night shifts in a row, she felt completely run-down.
The guidebook warned tourists away from the run-down part of the old port.