1. in deplorable condition (Freq. 1) - a street of bedraggled tenements - a broken-down fence - a ramshackle old pier - a tumble-down shack • Syn: bedraggled, derelict, dilapidated, ramshackle, tatterdemalion, tumble-down • Similar to: damaged • Derivationally related forms: tatterdemalion (for: tatterdemalion) 2. not in working order - had to push the broken-down car - a broken-down tractor fit only for children to play on • Similar to: unserviceable