Crumbling: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'crumbling' when describing something slowly breaking down into small pieces or failing over time, often involving structures or materials.

• The ancient castle walls were crumbling after centuries of neglect
• Her confidence was crumbling under the constant criticism

Use 'disintegrate' when referring to something breaking down into smaller parts, often completely and often used in more dramatic or scientific contexts.

• The paper disintegrated when it got wet
• Their plans began to disintegrate under the pressure

Use 'fall apart' when describing something that is coming undone or failing in a more emotional, structural, or intense manner.

• Their marriage began to fall apart after the tragic accident
• The old book fell apart in my hands

Use 'break up' primarily when referring to the ending of relationships, groups, or gatherings, as well as the act of breaking something into smaller parts.

• After years of arguments, they decided to break up
• The protestors were forced to break up by the police

Use 'crumbling' to describe something physically breaking apart into smaller pieces or slowly falling apart over time. It can refer to buildings, structures, or even ideas and plans.

• The ancient castle is crumbling due to years of neglect.
• Their relationship is crumbling under the strain of constant arguments.

'Disintegration' is used when something breaks apart completely into smaller fragments or loses cohesion. This can describe physical objects, societies, or systems.

• The spaceship disintegrated upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.
• There were fears of political disintegration as the country faced numerous crises.

'Decay' is often used to describe the process of something slowly rotting or decomposing, particularly organic matter. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a gradual decline in quality or strength over time.

• The leaves on the forest floor began to decay, enriching the soil.
• Urban decay is evident in the abandoned buildings and neglected infrastructure.

'Deterioration' refers to the process of something becoming progressively worse. This can relate to physical objects, health, conditions, or the quality of something over time.

• The patient's health has been in a state of rapid deterioration.
• The vehicle showed visible signs of deterioration after years of heavy use.