Ever feel that satisfying click when a crossword clue unlocks a hidden word? The New York Times crossword is a daily mental workout, and sometimes those clues can be wonderfully tricky. One word that pops up occasionally and might give you pause is “derelict.”
If you’ve stared blankly at a grid, wondering what single word encapsulates “abandoned” or “neglected,” you’re not alone. Let’s explore what “derelict” means, why it shows up in crosswords, and how to nail that answer the next time it appears.