Dismantling: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in situations where machinery, buildings, or other complex systems are being taken apart. It implies a relatively careful and planned process.

• The team is dismantling the old factory to make way for new development.
• Dismantling the engine took several hours but revealed the cause of the malfunction.

Used when referring to the act of taking apart mechanical or electronic devices. It often implies following a specific procedure or instructions.

• Careful disassembly of the computer allowed us to replace the broken component.
• Disassembly of the furniture was necessary to move it out of the small apartment.

Used in contexts related to analyzing and dismantling texts, theories, or cultural artifacts. It often implies a deep, critical analysis rather than physical dismantling.

• The professor's deconstruction of the novel revealed hidden themes and meanings.
• Deconstruction of traditional gender roles is a common topic in contemporary sociology.

Appropriate for situations involving the failure or disintegration of systems, processes, or relationships. It often carries a negative connotation.

• The breakdown of communication led to significant delays in the project.
• A breakdown in the supply chain caused shortages of essential goods.

Used when talking about taking apart a machine, structure, or system into its individual pieces slowly and methodically.

• The engineers are dismantling the old bridge
• The company is dismantling its outdated computer network

Mainly used in an intellectual or critical context, where something complex is analyzed by breaking it down into simpler parts, often to understand underlying meanings or assumptions.

• The professor's deconstruction of the novel revealed hidden themes
• The artist's work involves the deconstruction of cultural symbols

Typically refers to the ending of a relationship or the division of a larger entity into smaller parts, often with emotional or substantial impact.

• The breakup of the band was very public
• The company's breakup led to the formation of several smaller firms

Used when something is breaking down into smaller parts and losing its integrity, often implying a negative or unplanned process.

• The disintegration of the ancient manuscript was inevitable
• The political disintegration of the region led to chaos

Dismantling is typically used in a more technical or formal context to describe the process of taking something complex apart, such as machinery, equipment, or systems.

• The engineers are currently dismantling the old factory machines for upgrades

Disassemble is often used in a mechanical or technical context, similar to 'dismantling', but it is less formal. It usually refers to the careful taking apart of something into its constituent pieces.

• Please disassemble the computer and package the parts separately

Take apart is a more casual and accessible term that can be used in everyday language to describe the action of separating something into individual components.

• We need to take apart the bookshelf before moving it to another room

Demolish is used when referring to the act of destroying a building or other structure, usually with heavy equipment. This word can carry a negative connotation as it implies complete destruction.

• The old stadium was demolished to make way for new housing development