Collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

'collapse' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective. As a noun, 'collapse' refers to a sudden and complete breakdown or failure of a system, structure, or organization. For example: "The collapse of the economy led to widespread unemployment." As a verb, 'collapse' means to fall down or give way suddenly, usually due to weakness or instability. For example: "The building collapsed due to poor construction." As an adjective, 'collapsed' describes something that has fallen down or given way. For example: "The collapsed bridge caused major traffic delays." Here are a few more examples of 'collapse' being used in written English: - "The negotiations between the two countries collapsed, leading to tension and potential conflict." - "The patient's health deteriorated and he collapsed on the way to the hospital." - "The team's poor performance caused the collapse of their chances to make it to the playoffs." - "The stock market experienced a collapse, causing investors to lose millions of dollars." In summary, 'collapse' is a versatile word that can be used to describe sudden failures, falls, and breakdowns in various contexts. However, it is important to.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"International unity will collapse and the path to conflict will widen".

The Guardian

The DUP leader's ultimatum followed the collapse of the trial of John Downey, suspected of involvement in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing which killed four soldiers.

The Guardian

But two months after the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, when most of those injured and bereaved by the disaster are still waiting for compensation – though Primark, unlike other retailers who have admitted to a presence in the factory, has contributed to the compensation fund – the secret message hidden inside a piece of women's clothing is a startling image.

The Guardian - Opinion

The original buildings, constructed from dung and straw, tended to collapse whenever hit by one of the country's frequent earth tremors.

The Guardian - Travel

Now, after the collapse of communism, the Christian-conservative government paints as its main enemy the multicultural consumerist liberal democracy for which today's western Europe stands.

The Guardian

But there has to be one, because although most squatters just need somewhere to live and often maintain mouldering, neglected buildings and save them from terminal collapse and vandalism, what about the few really naughty squatters, who make a mess and noise, pretend to be artists and pinch your home while you're on hols or in hospital?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Smyth scandal and the disclosure that the authorities were complicit in the cover-up led to the collapse of the Fianna Fáil-Labour government, which at the time was basking in the glow of helping to secure the IRA's 1994 ceasefire.

The Guardian

After 100 days of talks and just two days before Christmas, Sinn Féin, the DUP, the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP reached an agreement at Stormont that saved devolved government in Belfast from collapse.

The Guardian

The code has been in production for the better part of a month now and helped dramatically collapse the code size and complexity in a way that I feel will be simple to maintain.

The Guardian

Some scientists say the major west Antarctic ice sheet has already started a long term collapse that could change eventually change the world's coastline.

The Guardian

When structural engineers moved in to study the damage, their verdict was that the entire window was in danger of collapse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Collapse" in technical writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical structure, an abstract system, or a metaphorical concept.

Common error

While "Collapse" is a strong word, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic. Consider using more nuanced alternatives like "fail" or "break down" to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Collapse" is as both a noun (referring to the act or result of falling down) and a verb (describing the action of falling down or failing). As Ludwig highlights, it denotes a sudden breakdown or failure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Collapse" is a versatile word serving as both a noun and a verb, frequently used to describe a sudden breakdown or failure. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears very commonly in various contexts, especially in news, business, and scientific domains. The term's neutrality makes it suitable for formal and informal settings, though careful attention should be given to the context to prevent sounding overly dramatic in casual conversations. Related phrases offer nuances that might be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Break down

Emphasizes a failure in functionality or operation.

Fall apart

Focuses on the disintegration of something into its constituent parts.

Implode

Suggests a sudden inward collapse.

Cave in

Suggests a yielding under pressure, often literal.

Give way

Indicates a yielding or submission, often under force.

Crumble

Implies a gradual decline or decay.

Crash

Highlights a sudden and often violent failure.

Fail

Represents a lack of success or expected outcome.

Decline

Highlights a downward trend or deterioration.

Fall through

Used for plans or agreements that do not materialize.

FAQs

How can I use "Collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "Collapse" to describe the sudden failure of a structure, system, or idea. For example, "The building suffered a structural collapse" or "The peace talks collapsed after disagreements".

What can I say instead of "Collapse"?

You can use alternatives like "fall apart", "break down", or "fail" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "Collapse" or "Collapsed"?

"Collapse" is a verb or a noun, while "Collapsed" is the past tense or past participle form of the verb. Use "Collapse" to describe the action or state itself, and "Collapsed" to describe something that has already undergone collapse.

What's the difference between "Collapse" and "Breakdown"?

"Collapse" often implies a more sudden and complete failure, particularly of a physical structure or system. "Breakdown" can refer to a more gradual or partial failure, and is often used in the context of relationships or machinery.