brink of dissolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brink of dissolution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is on the verge of breaking down or coming to an end, often in a dramatic or critical context. Example: "The company was on the brink of dissolution due to financial mismanagement and lack of leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Then, some officials spoke of the euro zone's being on the brink of dissolution.

The New York Times

This meant nothing to Strauss and his refusal to capitulate took the partnership to the brink of dissolution.

The Guardian - Music

But the solo characters have distinct personalities, even if their bodies appear to be on the brink of dissolution.

The New York Times - Arts

But the solo characters have distinct personalities, even if their physical selves are on the brink of dissolution.

The New York Times - Arts

It was also the moment that rescued this John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences student organization from the brink of dissolution.

Harvard University

Leo, a journalist nearing 40, and his nondescript wife, Meg, endure a typically anomic marriage - all too routinely sketched - that is constantly on the brink of dissolution.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The American people may be divided, but the president doesn't have to bring the American nation back from the very brink of disintegration and dissolution, as Lincoln did.

BBC

With Italy on the brink of financial dissolution, Mr. Monti's government of technocrats proposed a series of structural changes to put the country on a more fiscally responsible path.

The New York Times

Not a word is wasted in Pierpont's efficiently engineered debut, which follows a family hovering on the brink of possible dissolution in the wake of the husband's infidelity.

Huffington Post

It has brought Iraq to the brink of a new dissolution.

Forbes

Some have suggested that he exaggerated his drug use in the book to hype the idea that he was on the brink of becoming a junkie; dysfunction and dissolution always sell in memoirs.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brink of dissolution" when you want to emphasize that a situation is at a critical turning point, about to end or fail dramatically. It's suitable for describing companies, relationships, or even political situations that are in dire straits.

Common error

Avoid using "brink of dissolution" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic in everyday situations; opt for simpler phrases like "about to end" or "close to failing" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brink of dissolution" functions as a prepositional phrase typically used as an adverbial modifier. It describes the state of being extremely close to ending or failing. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples showcasing its use in describing entities nearing collapse or disintegration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brink of dissolution" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being extremely close to ending or failing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions adverbially to emphasize the precariousness of a situation, conveying urgency and potential disaster. Its register is generally neutral, appearing frequently in "News & Media", academic and professional contexts. When writing, reserve it for formal settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic in casual situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verge of collapse

Replaces "brink" with "verge" and "dissolution" with "collapse", focusing on the idea of something failing suddenly.

edge of disintegration

Replaces "brink" with "edge" and "dissolution" with "disintegration", emphasizing a breaking apart or loss of cohesion.

on the verge of falling apart

Replaces "brink" with "verge" and uses the more general term "falling apart", suitable for less formal contexts.

point of disintegration

Replaces "brink" with "point", losing some sense of imminence.

facing imminent collapse

Emphasizes the immediacy of the collapse.

on the precipice of ruin

Uses "precipice" to convey a dangerous and immediate drop into failure.

close to disintegration

Uses "close to" instead of "on the brink of", making it slightly less dramatic.

near the breaking point

Shifts the focus to a critical point where something is about to break.

threatened with ruin

This alternative completely changes the structure, focusing on the threat of destruction or failure.

at risk of failing completely

Presents a more descriptive, less figurative alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "brink of dissolution" to describe something that is very close to ending or failing. For example, "The company was on the brink of dissolution due to poor management".

What phrases are similar to "brink of dissolution"?

Similar phrases include "verge of collapse", "edge of disintegration", or "point of disintegration". These all suggest a state of near ending or collapse.

When is it appropriate to use "brink of dissolution"?

It's appropriate to use "brink of dissolution" in formal writing or when discussing serious situations, such as a company facing bankruptcy or a relationship nearing its end. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

Is "brink of dissolution" interchangeable with "brink of collapse"?

While similar, "brink of dissolution" often implies a more gradual process of ending or breaking down, whereas "brink of collapse" suggests a more sudden and immediate failure. The best choice depends on the specific context.