coming undone

USAGE SUMMARY

"coming undone" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means becoming loose or disorganized. You can use it in a sentence to describe something that is falling apart or losing control, such as: - The party preparations were all coming undone as the electricity suddenly went out. - She could feel her carefully constructed facade of confidence coming undone as she stood in front of the crowd. - The project was coming undone due to a lack of communication among team members.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

coming undone..

The New Yorker

Everyone was coming undone.

The New York Times - Sports

Now Yemen is coming undone.

The New York Times

Is everything he did coming undone?

Independent

"Hair was coming undone," Mr. Palau said.

The New York Times

Today, that victory is coming undone.

The New York Times

Without Mr. Berlusconi, the puzzle is coming undone.

The New York Times

He was coming undone, that much is clear.

The New York Times

Instead of coming undone, she picked herself up.

The New York Times - Sports

Now the alchemy is coming undone; unpaid debts are revealing themselves to be unpayable.

The New Yorker

Still, the closest team at the Olympics is coming undone even off the ice.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming undone" to describe situations where a previously stable or organized entity is losing cohesion or control. This phrase works well in both literal and figurative contexts, from physical structures to emotional states.

Common error

Avoid using "coming undone" solely in literal contexts (like a seam on clothing). Its strength lies in its metaphorical application to describe abstract concepts such as plans, relationships, or emotional stability falling apart.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming undone" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as part of a continuous verb tense. It describes an ongoing process of something losing its structure, organization, or stability. Ludwig's examples show it used in various contexts, from physical objects to abstract situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

13%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "coming undone" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the process of something losing its structure, organization, or stability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase commonly appears in news and media, and while appropriate for general usage, it's crucial to avoid using it solely in literal contexts; its true strength lies in its metaphorical applications. Consider alternatives like "falling apart" or "disintegrating" based on the specific context. Overall, "coming undone" effectively conveys a sense of deterioration and loss of control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling apart

This alternative suggests a breakdown or disintegration, similar to "coming undone", but often implies a more advanced stage of deterioration.

disintegrating

Implies a gradual breakdown or decay, emphasizing the loss of cohesion and structure.

falling to pieces

Suggests a complete breakdown or collapse, often used in emotional or metaphorical contexts.

unraveling

Similar to "coming undone", but emphasizes the process of something becoming less organized or coherent.

collapsing

Suggests a sudden and dramatic failure or breakdown.

breaking down

Indicates a failure of a system, relationship, or individual's mental state.

going to pieces

Emphasizes emotional distress and a loss of control.

falling apart at the seams

Highlights the visible signs of a breakdown, suggesting underlying structural weaknesses.

crumbling

Suggests a gradual decay or deterioration, often used for structures or institutions.

falling by the wayside

Indicates a failure to maintain progress or relevance, often due to neglect or external pressures.

FAQs

How can I use "coming undone" in a sentence?

You can use "coming undone" to describe something that is falling apart, disintegrating, or losing its structure. For example, "The project was "coming undone" due to lack of funding".

What's the difference between "falling apart" and "coming undone"?

"Falling apart" and "coming undone" are similar, but "falling apart" often suggests a more advanced stage of disintegration. "Coming undone" can describe the initial stages of something "disintegrating".

Which is more formal, "coming undone" or "disintegrating"?

"Disintegrating" generally sounds more formal than "coming undone". Use "disintegrating" in scientific or technical contexts, while "coming undone" is suitable for general and informal use. "Disintegrating" is best in formal and scientific writing.

What are some alternatives to "coming undone" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "falling apart", "unraveling", or ""disintegrating"".