Search Dictionary
Definition of ramshackle

ramshackle

/ˈræmˌʃæk.əl/
ram · shack · le
JUMP TO:

ramshackle Lexical Profile

ramshackle Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

In a state of severe disrepair; poorly constructed or loosely held together and appearing likely to collapse.

Example

"The hikers took shelter from the sudden downpour inside a ramshackle wooden cabin at the edge of the forest."

2

Carelessly or haphazardly organized and lacking coherent structure or discipline.

Example

"The new director was brought in to overhaul the company's ramshackle accounting system."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ramshackle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ramshackle

• Rhymes for ramshackle

• Nearby Words

rampart
rampion
ramrod
ramshackle
ramu
ranch
rancher

Word Origin & Etymology

Dating to the early 19th century, the word is an alteration of the earlier Scots and northern English 'ransackle', a frequentative form of 'ransack' (from Old Norse 'rannsaka', meaning 'to search a house'), originally describing a house left in ruins after being plundered.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ramshackle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ramshackle
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.