built to collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "built to collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is intentionally designed or constructed in a way that it is expected to fail or fall apart under certain conditions. Example: "The structure was built to collapse in order to minimize damage during an earthquake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A central question for Eilis Lacey in "Brooklyn" is: Do you relinquish whatever identity you've built to collapse back into (what at least seems) the warm embrace of family and small town that long ago defined you as so much less?

The New York Times - Magazine

Controlled gas pipes were used to shoot jets of flames and a header was specially built to collapse on Phil.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Each of those eruptions caused the magma dome that had built up to collapse as its contents were released, leaving an enormous caldera.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nearby, on Sunday, a pillar built to support aboveground rails collapsed, sending a parking-lot sized slab of concrete to the ground, killing six people.

The New York Times

The bridge, built to replace one that collapsed in 2007, killing 13 people, is constructed almost entirely of concrete embedded with steel reinforcing bars, or rebar.

The New York Times - Science

Construction workers were pouring concrete on the fifth floor of a new building on 57th Street, the department said, when a frame built to contain the concrete collapsed around 11 30 a.m.

The New York Times

The heavy outflows of mud and water caused the earth level to drop, and a dike that had been built to contain the mud collapsed, officials said, creating pressure that ruptured the pipeline.

The New York Times

A viewing platform above a spectacular cavern in the Paparoa National Park, built to support 10 persons, collapsed under the weight of 18 visitors; of the 14 persons who were hurled to their deaths on the rocks below, 13 were students.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tent cities dot the landscape, he said, and the plywood homes being built to replace them could easily collapse in a hurricane.

The New York Times

Businessweek has an interesting video (see above) about the bridge in my hometown of Minneapolis that was built to replace the one that collapsed in 2007.

TechCrunch

You're beginning to see the collapse of institutions built to insure our security.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "built to collapse" when you want to emphasize the intentional, planned, or inherent nature of a structure's or system's eventual failure. It's more impactful than simply saying something "failed."

Common error

Avoid using "built to collapse" to describe accidental failures or collapses due to unforeseen circumstances. The phrase implies a design or inherent property that leads to the collapse, not mere misfortune.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built to collapse" functions as a descriptive phrase. It typically modifies a noun, indicating that something was designed or constructed with the intention of eventually failing or collapsing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "built to collapse" is a descriptive term indicating intentional or inherent vulnerability in a structure or system, leading to its eventual failure. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While grammatically correct, it is a relatively rare expression. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and technical discussions, maintaining a neutral tone. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "engineered to fail" or "designed for demolition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid using this phrase to describe accidental failures, as it implies pre-planning. Understanding its implications ensures accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engineered to fail

Highlights the deliberate engineering involved in creating a system or structure with a limited lifespan or intended point of failure.

designed for controlled demolition

Focuses specifically on designs where collapse is intentional and managed.

designed for demolition

Emphasizes the intentional aspect of designing a structure for eventual destruction or dismantling.

predetermined to break

Focuses on the pre-planned nature of an item or system's eventual breakage.

meant to crumble

Suggests an inherent weakness or planned obsolescence leading to eventual decay.

programmed for self-destruction

Implies a built-in mechanism that causes the system to eventually destroy itself.

destined to fall

Indicates an inevitable decline or collapse due to inherent flaws or external pressures.

liable to disintegrate

Suggests a high probability of falling apart or breaking down.

inherently unstable

Highlights the lack of stability as a fundamental characteristic, leading to collapse.

unsustainable structure

Emphasizes the lack of long-term viability in a system or organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "built to collapse" to describe structures or systems designed with a deliberate point of failure or inherent instability. For example, "The bridge was "built to collapse" under a specific weight to prevent further damage."

What's a good alternative to "built to collapse"?

Depending on the context, you could use "engineered to fail", "designed for demolition", or "inherently unstable" as alternatives.

Is "built to collapse" formal or informal?

"Built to collapse" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. It's often used in news, technical discussions, and analytical writing but might be too strong for casual conversation.

What does it mean when something is "built to collapse"?

It means the item or system was intentionally designed or constructed in a way that ensures it will eventually fail or break down, often under specific conditions or after a certain period. The opposite would be "built to last".