a state of collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a state of collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a situation where something has become severely weakened and is unable to continue existing in its current form. For example, "The economy was in a state of collapse after the pandemic began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Julie Bailey, from the group, said: "The community needs its accident and emergency department but we have to remember that the service was in a state of collapse a year ago".

BBC

Franny comes home from college in a state of collapse.

The New Yorker

They might even characterize them as still in a state of collapse as opposed to rebuilding.

The New York Times - Sports

As Iraqi Sunnis and Shias vie for power, the country remains in a state of collapse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Centrism, the ideology of self-styled moderates, is in a state of collapse.

The Guardian - Opinion

A recent Audit Commission report described the council's financial affairs as "in a state of collapse".

The Guardian

I can't describe what it is to see these children lying about in a state of collapse.

The Guardian

Yukos itself was in a state of collapse when its current owner, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, took it over in 1995.

The New York Times

Orders circulating through the police department authorised officers to shoot looters as the city fell into a state of collapse.

The Guardian

"We'll have good food!" Between long ocean beaches and a chain of lovely green hills, Freetown lay in a state of collapse.

The New Yorker

Germany was in a state of collapse, turmoil and utter confusion, and here we were awaiting the arrivals of our Allied conquerors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a state of collapse", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the reasons for the collapse are evident within the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a state of collapse" to describe situations that are merely challenging or difficult. Reserve it for instances of genuine, severe breakdown or failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state of collapse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a predicate nominative or an object of a preposition. It describes the condition or situation of something undergoing severe breakdown. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a state of collapse" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe severe decline or breakdown. According to Ludwig AI, it is both grammatically correct and frequently used. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject and reasons for the collapse to avoid overuse or hyperbole. Consider alternatives such as "on the verge of disintegration" or "nearing total breakdown" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of disintegration

Focuses on the advanced stage of breakdown.

facing imminent failure

Emphasizes the impending nature of the collapse or failure.

nearing total breakdown

Highlights the imminence of complete failure.

in a condition of failure

Emphasizes the lack of success or proper functioning.

close to ruin

Indicates proximity to a state of destruction or irreparable damage.

in terminal decline

Implies an irreversible process of deterioration.

in a downward spiral

Focuses on the accelerating nature of the decline.

approaching its end

Suggests the final stages of existence or functionality.

experiencing acute degradation

Highlights a severe and rapid decline in quality or condition.

on its last legs

An informal expression indicating near failure or exhaustion.

FAQs

How can I use "a state of collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "a state of collapse" to describe situations where something is severely weakened or has broken down, for example: "The healthcare system was in "a state of collapse" after the funding cuts."

What are some alternatives to "a state of collapse"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "on the verge of disintegration", "in a condition of failure", or "nearing total breakdown".

When is it appropriate to use "a state of collapse"?

It's appropriate when describing systems, economies, organizations, or even personal well-being that have deteriorated to a point where they are non-functional or nearing complete failure. Use it when the severity is significant.

Is it correct to say "in collapse" instead of "a state of collapse"?

While "in collapse" might be understood, "a state of collapse" is more grammatically standard and provides a clearer, more formal description of the situation.