bound to collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is certain or very likely to fail or break down. Example: "Without proper funding and support, the project is bound to collapse under pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

After years of unsuccessful talks with Washington, North Korea said it concluded that all agreements were bound to collapse unless the two sides built mutual "trust".

The New York Times

The largest building, in the very center of the town, is boarded up completely and leans so far to the right that it seems bound to collapse at any minute.

The New Yorker

There was no mention in Chinese state media, of course, of the real story - that over the course of a year, China's authorities manufactured an extraordinary bull market that was bound to collapse because valuations reached absurd levels.

The Guardian - Business

Earlier that day at his home he spoke of how his son, who has known only post-Mao China, would nevertheless witness extraordinary transformations in his own lifetime since the capitalist economy was bound to collapse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many business travelers, while still jumping through hoops to achieve or maintain elite status, wonder if the whole system isn't bound to collapse one day under its own groaning weight.

The New York Times

"The panic that the euro was bound to collapse in the next six months has subsided, but that doesn't mean that Europe is in any way out of the line of fire".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A lower bound to the collapse load multiplier is computed by solving a maximization nonlinear problem, according to the static theorem of limit analysis.

Composites Part B: Engineering

The aero-engine-maker was once so symptomatic of Britain's huge, sickly manufacturing sector that a Conservative government felt bound to save it from collapse by nationalising it in 1971.

The Economist

Hence, the obtained results may not be realistic and represent the lowest bound to the mean structural collapse capacity.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

In such a case, it would not be surprising that the FG repeat domains appear collapsed while bound to surface-immobilized receptor molecules.

EMBO Reports

Even the most unknowledgeable person in economics and stock trading knows that the collapse was bound to happen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bound to collapse" when you want to express a strong likelihood of failure based on existing conditions or inherent flaws. It's particularly effective when discussing systems, structures, or plans that are inherently unstable.

Common error

While versatile, "bound to collapse" can sound overly dramatic in very formal writing. Consider alternatives like "likely to fail" or "expected to decline" for a more measured tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to collapse" functions as a modal phrase expressing a high degree of certainty or inevitability regarding a future event. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bound to collapse" effectively communicates a high probability of failure or disintegration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and widespread use make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolbox. It's commonly found in News & Media, where it expresses concern or prediction, while its formality is considered neutral, suitable for both general and professional contexts. When aiming for a more impactful tone, consider related phrases like "destined to fail" or "certain to fall apart".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destined to fail

Emphasizes a predetermined outcome, suggesting an inherent flaw or fate.

certain to fall apart

Highlights the disintegration aspect, focusing on structural or functional breakdown.

sure to crumble

Suggests a gradual decline and eventual collapse, often used metaphorically.

inevitably going to break down

Focuses on the inescapable nature of the failure or breakdown.

doomed to destruction

Implies a catastrophic end, often with a sense of finality.

set to implode

Suggests a rapid and inward collapse, often used in business or economic contexts.

on the verge of disintegration

Highlights the imminence of the collapse or breakdown.

poised to self-destruct

Implies an internal mechanism or tendency leading to collapse.

fated to crumble

Similar to "destined to fail", but with a stronger emphasis on fate.

likely to disintegrate

Focuses on the high probability of failing.

FAQs

How can I use "bound to collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "bound to collapse" to describe something that is very likely to fail or break down. For example: "Without proper maintenance, the bridge is bound to collapse."

What phrases are similar to "bound to collapse"?

Alternatives include "destined to fail", "certain to fall apart", and "sure to crumble", all suggesting a high probability of failure.

Is "bound to collapse" formal or informal?

The phrase "bound to collapse" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain situations.

What's the difference between "bound to collapse" and "likely to collapse"?

"Bound to collapse" suggests a stronger degree of certainty than "likely to collapse". While both indicate a high probability, "bound to" implies a more deterministic outcome.