brink of disintegration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brink of disintegration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or entity that is on the verge of breaking down or falling apart. Example: "The company was on the brink of disintegration due to financial mismanagement and internal conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But Russia is no longer on the brink of disintegration".

The New Yorker

"The country was on the brink of disintegration.

Independent

Precariousness ensues; things teeter on the brink of disintegration.

The New York Times

The country had tottered on the brink of disintegration for three decades.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bart De Wever, apparently the most benign of European nationalists, is leading his country to the brink of disintegration.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately any efforts to help pull back the divided country from the brink of disintegration may simply be too late.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"Play the Song Again, Jacques Brell's whirlwind of a waltz (translated by Richard Stilgoe), carries the same mood to the brink of psychic disintegration.

The New York Times - Arts

Thirteen-centuries-old Syria is on the verge of disintegration.

Huffington Post

No one questions that Mr. Gerstner, a former McKinsey consultant, has been a brilliant financial engineer since he arrived on the scene to pull I.B.M. back from the brink of collapse and disintegration.

The New York Times

A few economists and activists, even a few stars, are taking up this cause afresh – a vital development that could bring us back from the brink of economic anarchy and social disintegration.

Independent

Relations between its Sunni and Shia communities have deteriorated and the country is on the brink of civil war as well as territorial disintegration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brink of disintegration" to describe situations involving entities that are undergoing significant internal and external stress, like political entities, organizations, or relationships. For example: "The alliance was on the "brink of disintegration" due to conflicting interests."

Common error

Avoid using "brink of disintegration" to describe minor issues or inconveniences. This phrase carries a significant weight and should be reserved for situations that genuinely involve the risk of collapse or complete failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brink of disintegration" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a prepositional complement. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a state where something is very close to falling apart or ceasing to exist. Examples show it applied to countries, organizations, and even personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brink of disintegration" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations nearing collapse. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, indicating it is suitable across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and formal writing. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of impending failure, highlighting instability and precariousness. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations of genuine risk to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "verge of collapse" or "edge of ruin" can be used to achieve similar effects with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verge of collapse

Focuses on the imminence of failing or falling apart.

edge of collapse

Emphasizes being close to a point of breakdown.

point of collapse

Highlights a specific moment of potential failure.

on the verge of falling apart

Describes a state of instability and imminent breakdown.

on the edge of ruin

Indicates being close to destruction or downfall.

close to dissolution

Suggests an imminent end to unity or cohesion.

near the breaking point

Highlights the stress and pressure leading to a potential failure.

on the precipice of failure

Uses a metaphorical cliff edge to emphasize the danger of imminent failure.

at the last gasp

Implies a final, desperate moment before failure.

facing imminent breakdown

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the impending collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "brink of disintegration" in a sentence?

You can use "brink of disintegration" to describe a situation or entity that is on the verge of falling apart or ceasing to exist. For example, "The political party was on the "brink of disintegration" due to internal conflicts."

What can I say instead of "brink of disintegration"?

You can use alternatives like "verge of collapse", "edge of collapse", or "point of collapse" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "brink of disintegration" in formal writing?

Yes, "brink of disintegration" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing critical situations in politics, economics, or organizational structures. Just ensure the context justifies the gravity of the phrase.

What distinguishes "brink of disintegration" from "edge of chaos"?

"Brink of disintegration" refers specifically to a state of near collapse or failure, while "edge of chaos" describes a state where a system is highly sensitive to change and can either collapse or self-organize into something new.