a complete collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has failed entirely or has fallen apart completely. Example: "The company's financial report revealed a complete collapse of their market strategy, leading to significant losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I had a complete collapse," he admits.

The Guardian

"After that, I think we could suffer a complete collapse".

The New York Times

Unaided, a complete collapse of the sector, including its many suppliers and dealers, was inevitable.

The New York Times

One answer, of course, is a complete collapse of the US dollar.

The Guardian - Opinion

We were on the brink of a complete collapse of the world's financial system.

The Guardian - Business

He added: "There was not just one mistake but a complete collapse, from top to bottom".

The New York Times

"There has been a complete collapse of the middle class," he said.

The Guardian

Some viewers would see it as a complete collapse of taste and decorum.

The New York Times - Arts

That is a huge political setback, but not yet a complete collapse.

The New York Times

And what were the chances of a complete collapse of the 20-story crane tower?

The New York Times

A complete collapse of the financial system was too scary a prospect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complete collapse", ensure the context clearly defines what is collapsing. Specificity enhances the impact and clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete collapse" for minor setbacks or temporary issues. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for genuinely dire situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete collapse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a state of utter failure or disintegration. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complete collapse" is a frequently used noun phrase that signifies total failure or disintegration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing most commonly in News & Media contexts, as well as in scientific and academic discourse. When using "a complete collapse", ensure the context justifies the weight of the phrase. Be mindful of overuse in less severe situations. Alternatives such as "a total failure" or "an utter breakdown" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While both "complete collapse" and "total collapse" are largely interchangeable, "complete collapse" might place a slight emphasis on the thoroughness of the failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete failure

Is a synonym and can be used interchangeably.

a comprehensive failure

Similar to complete failure, but may emphasize the range of aspects affected.

a total failure

Emphasizes the lack of success or effectiveness, focusing on the negative outcome.

an utter breakdown

Highlights the process of falling apart, suggesting a more gradual or progressive decline.

a full scale collapse

Indicates that the collapse is widespread and comprehensive, affecting all aspects.

a devastating failure

Adds a sense of severity and impact, suggesting significant negative consequences.

a catastrophic breakdown

Focuses on the disastrous nature of the failure, implying irreparable damage.

a thorough disintegration

Emphasizes the complete loss of structure and cohesion, highlighting the process of decay.

an entire implosion

Focuses on a sudden and internal collapse, suggesting a loss of inner integrity.

a sweeping breakdown

Highlights the breadth and scope of the collapse, affecting a wide area or range.

FAQs

How can I use "a complete collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete collapse" to describe a situation where something has totally failed, such as "The company experienced "a complete collapse" of their marketing strategy after the scandal".

What can I say instead of "a complete collapse"?

You can use alternatives like "a total failure", "an utter breakdown", or "a complete failure" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "complete collapse" or "total collapse"?

Both "complete collapse" and "total collapse" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference. "A complete collapse" may slightly emphasize the thoroughness of the failure.

What's the difference between "a complete collapse" and "a complete breakdown"?

While both suggest failure, ""a complete collapse"" often implies a sudden and catastrophic failure, whereas "a complete breakdown" can suggest a more gradual or progressive decline.