collapsing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'collapsing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something falling or being destroyed rapidly. For example: "The old bridge was collapsing, so they had to build a new one as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our vote held up, we had not anticipated the Tory vote collapsing quite so dramatically.

The Guardian

Whoever fired at her hadn't been able to track her down with dogs and dispose of the tag because the shot had not immediately been fatal: Betty had flapped on for several miles before collapsing on the ground.

The Guardian

In a time of collapsing public confidence in the political classes across Europe, Orbán can claim to be unique – a gifted, popular strongman with the most formidable electoral mandate in the EU.

The Guardian

Brill received lengthy treatment after collapsing to the ground after being closed down by the Celtic forward Gary Mackay-Steven in the box, before being carried off on a stretcher with Esson coming on.

The Guardian - Sport

All this makes Darlington, a marginal Labour seat where the Liberals have high hopes, a counterpart to Bermondsey in plotting the extent to which Labour's standing nationally maybe collapsing.

The Guardian

With property prices falling sharply, and exports collapsing, he says, "the problems are multiplying, and the risks of a policy mistake are growing".

The Guardian - Business

Finally, infectious disease outbreaks must be addressed quickly – easier said than done in poor settings, where public health systems are already strained or collapsing already.

The Guardian

Such a scenario, where the parties are effectively relieved of spending responsibility, would undoubtedly increase the chances of one of the main partners in the executive – the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) and Sinn Féin – walking away and collapsing the institutions.

The Guardian

At a time Brussels and all of Europe is collapsing in misery.

The Guardian

But now the divisions between good and bad are collapsing.

The Guardian - Film

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 1.54pm BSir3:54 Sir Nicholas Macpherson, the permanent secretary to the Treasury, says, unlike Osborne, he was in the room when RBS and HBOS were collapsing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "collapsing" to describe sudden failures of structures, systems, or even abstract concepts like confidence or support. It is more dramatic than simply 'falling' or 'declining'.

Common error

Avoid using "collapsing" when describing a slow, gradual decline. Opt for words like "deteriorating" or "fading" to better reflect the pace of change.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "collapsing" is that of a present participle or gerund, often used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is collapsing") or as a verbal adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "collapsing" is a present participle form used to describe something that is suddenly failing or deteriorating rapidly. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used in English writing. Its function ranges from describing physical structures to abstract concepts like economies or political systems. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, suggesting its common use in reporting critical or urgent situations. When writing, it's important to use "collapsing" to describe sudden and dramatic failures, and to avoid using it for slow, gradual declines. Alternatives include "falling apart", "crumbling", and "imploding", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling apart

This alternative emphasizes the disintegration of something into pieces.

giving way

This suggests a yielding or surrendering of structure or resistance.

crumbling

Similar to falling apart, but often implies a slower, more gradual decay.

imploding

Suggests a collapse inward, often due to internal or external pressure.

breaking down

Indicates a failure of a system or structure, leading to its inability to function.

succumbing

This emphasizes yielding to pressure or force, often leading to a downfall.

deteriorating

Highlights a progressive decline in quality or condition.

declining rapidly

This alternative emphasizes the quickness of the decline.

descending sharply

Focuses on a rapid downward movement or decrease.

plunging

Indicates a sudden and dramatic fall or descent.

FAQs

How can I use "collapsing" in a sentence?

You can use "collapsing" to describe something that is suddenly falling or failing. For instance, "The building was old and at risk of "collapsing"" or "The economy is "collapsing" under the weight of debt".

What are some synonyms for "collapsing"?

Alternatives to "collapsing" include "falling apart", "crumbling", "imploding", and "breaking down". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the collapsing economy"?

Yes, "the collapsing economy" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe an economy that is rapidly failing or declining. This phrase is frequently used in news and media.

What is the difference between "collapsing" and "declining"?

"Collapsing" suggests a sudden and dramatic failure, while "declining" indicates a more gradual decrease or deterioration. Use "collapsing" when the failure is abrupt and significant; use "declining" for slower processes.