collapsed spectacularly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collapsed spectacularly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dramatic or impressive failure or breakdown of something, often in a visual or metaphorical sense. Example: "The old bridge collapsed spectacularly during the storm, sending debris flying in all directions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

British Gas' attempt at being "open and transparent" with customers also collapsed spectacularly with their PR offensive becoming merely offensive.

Independent

The Minnesota Vikings, whose roof on their current home, the Metrodome, collapsed spectacularly last winter, are no different.

The New York Times - Sports

This practice resulted in unbelievable wealth disparities (the Gilded Age) and collapsed spectacularly in the Great Depression.

The New York Times

They collapsed spectacularly in 1997, as a chain reaction of currency devaluations, bankruptcies and recessions rocked East Asia.

The New York Times

It collapsed spectacularly in 2007 after it emerged that it had dealt in stolen art and defrauded its clients in a Madoffian manner for years.

The Economist

Enron also collapsed spectacularly after accounting fiddles that seemed to have raised barely a peep from outside directors.Most directors never approach these levels of negligence.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Fans cannot have forgotten that they beat Juventus in Turin last November, only to collapse spectacularly thereafter.

The Guardian - Sport

REMEMBER those Albanian pyramids, offering gullible investors outlandishly high rates of interest, frantically sucking in new deposits to repay old debts, then collapsing spectacularly and creating civil unrest?

The Economist

But the image of hedge funds as a high-stakes casino is rather unfair; most hedge funds quietly give up through lack of interest rather than collapsing spectacularly.Hedge funds may have acted to stabilise markets by increasing liquidity and by betting on both falling and rising prices.

The Economist

Enron, once the country's seventh-largest company, introduced its modern trading floor on national television and boasted of its ambition to be the world's leading energy company, only to collapse spectacularly in 2001 and set off a wave of investigations into corporate malfeasance.

The New York Times

If the continued imprisonment of Abdul Hafiz (or Abdul Qari) appeared to be inexplicable, there was, on the surface at least, more of a case against Mohamed Rahim, the fourth prisoner released at the weekend, but this too collapses spectacularly under scrutiny.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "collapsed spectacularly" to describe situations where the failure is not only significant but also visually or metaphorically striking. It's suitable for events, organizations, or even abstract concepts that experience a dramatic downfall.

Common error

Avoid using "collapsed spectacularly" for minor setbacks or failures. This phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely warrant a dramatic description, as overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collapsed spectacularly" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to emphasize the extent and drama of a failure. Ludwig AI shows that it modifies verbs, adding vividness to the description of a collapse or failure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "collapsed spectacularly" is a descriptive phrase used to emphasize the dramatic nature of a failure or breakdown. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While relatively uncommon, its impact can be significant when used appropriately. Keep in mind that, as Ludwig also indicates, overuse in mundane situations should be avoided to maintain its intended effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed dramatically

Focuses on the failure aspect, emphasizing the unexpected and significant nature of the downfall.

crumbled spectacularly

Emphasizes the disintegration and loss of structure in a visually striking manner.

imploded spectacularly

Suggests an inward collapse, often due to internal pressures or weaknesses, with a striking visual effect.

fell apart spectacularly

Focuses on the disintegration and fragmentation of something, highlighting the dramatic and complete nature of the breakdown.

declined rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and acceleration of the fall, focusing on the quick loss of value or status.

floundered spectacularly

Emphasizes the struggle and inability to succeed, highlighting the dramatic and clumsy nature of the failure.

crashed and burned

A more informal and vivid expression describing a complete and catastrophic failure.

met a disastrous end

Focuses on the negative outcome and the finality of the failure, highlighting the catastrophic nature of the result.

unraveled dramatically

Emphasizes the process of something coming undone or disintegrating in a striking and unexpected manner.

went down in flames

A more metaphorical expression indicating a complete and very public failure.

FAQs

How can I use "collapsed spectacularly" in a sentence?

You can use "collapsed spectacularly" to describe something that has failed in a dramatic and impressive way. For example: "The deal "collapsed spectacularly" after the fraud was revealed."

What are some alternatives to "collapsed spectacularly"?

Alternatives include "failed dramatically", "crumbled spectacularly", or "imploded spectacularly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "collapsed spectacularly" in formal writing?

Yes, "collapsed spectacularly" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing events that warrant a dramatic tone. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "collapsed spectacularly" and "failed completely"?

"Collapsed spectacularly" implies a more dramatic and visually striking failure than "failed completely". The former suggests a sudden and perhaps unexpected downfall, while the latter simply indicates a total lack of success.