dereliction

 
Pronunciation: /dɛrəˈlɪkʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the state of having been abandoned and become dilapidated: a 15th-century farmhouse has been saved from dereliction
  • 2 (dereliction of duty) the shameful failure to fulfil one’s obligations: the prosecution team were guilty of dereliction of duty for failing to disclose evidence [count noun]: a gross dereliction of duty by the Secretary of State

Origin:

late 16th century: from Latin derelictio(n-), from the verb derelinquere (see derelict)