crumbling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'crumbling' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is deteriorating, decaying, or breaking down. For example, "The old castle walls were crumbling as the years went by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you want to jazz it up, add a crumbling of feta one day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That problem has been temporarily rectified by the local authority paying for a concrete specialist company to simply knock off the crumbling concrete and painting the exposed metal underneath".

The Guardian

So called "Treppenläufe" (stair runs) in between the concrete stands of the crumbling Parkstadion where the Royal Blues conduct their training sessions have been added to the daily curriculum.

The Guardian - Sport

The long Hollywood lineage of films about the FBI bringing rich, unreachable men to justice has lent a distinct movie-like quality to the crumbling of Sepp Blatter and Fifa, from the dawn arrests of accused high-ups at their five-star Zurich hotel, through the criminal confessions of Chuck Blazer, to the still pinch-yourself moment the president announced his fall.

The Guardian - Sport

By Shakespeare's time, the church was already nearly 500 years old, crammed with crumbling tombs and memorials, some of them dating back to the Crusades.

The Guardian

Then as now, Shoreditch was crumbling and crowded.

The Guardian

New Orleans' Marigny Opera House is classy for all kinds of reasons: it's a church with a mission to support the work of local artists, it is close to the couple's home, it is crumbling, artfully, and it is seriously in demand – the website explains that it is "only occasionally available for a limited number of wedding ceremonies".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's the bogus professor, the major trading on old glory, the hint of dangerous foreigners, and Mrs W is, of course, Britain: living in a crumbling, crooked, subsiding house stuffed with reminders of naval glories.

The Guardian

Once a key economic motor in Zimbabwe with a cityscape and infrastructure to match, the city is crumbling, and more people than ever live in makeshift slums.

The Guardian

But it also proved an early lesson in the joys of free-floating; what might have been a disaster became two extraordinary weeks of wild thunderstorms, crumbling neo-classical architecture, and the remarkable kindness of strangers.

The Guardian - Music

The sensational 150km dirt track from the remote northern town of Chachapoyas to Celelendín climbed up to a height of more than 4,000m before descending along a crumbling ledge clinging to a sheer precipice.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crumbling" to vividly describe physical objects or abstract systems that are gradually deteriorating or losing their structural integrity. This word effectively conveys a sense of progressive decay and can add emotional weight to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "crumbling" too frequently in highly emotional or dramatic writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Mix it up with synonyms like "decaying", "deteriorating", or "collapsing" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "crumbling" is as a present participle, often functioning as an adjective to describe a noun (e.g., "crumbling walls") or as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "the building is crumbling"). Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academic & Scientific

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "crumbling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe things that are deteriorating or falling apart. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily as a present participle and adjective, effectively conveying decay and decline. Its neutral register and common occurrence in News & Media, together with many examples found in The Guardian and The Economist, make it a versatile word for both formal and informal contexts. Use "crumbling" to add a touch of visual and emotional depth to your writing, but be mindful of overuse. For variety, consider using synonyms such as "decaying", "deteriorating", or "collapsing", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decaying

Focuses on the process of rotting or decomposition over time.

disintegrating

Emphasizes the breaking apart into smaller components or fragments.

deteriorating

Highlights the decline in quality or condition.

collapsing

Suggests a sudden and complete failure or breakdown.

falling apart

Indicates a gradual process of fragmentation and loss of integrity.

decomposing

Similar to decaying but often used for organic matter.

eroding

Implies a gradual wearing away, often by natural forces.

breaking down

A more general term for ceasing to function or maintain structure.

going to ruin

Emphasizes the eventual destruction or decay of something.

giving way

Suggests a yielding or collapsing under pressure or stress.

FAQs

How can I use "crumbling" in a sentence?

You can use "crumbling" to describe something that is falling apart or deteriorating over time. For example, "The old building had a /s/crumbling facade".

What are some synonyms for "crumbling"?

Some synonyms for "crumbling" include "decaying", "deteriorating", and "collapsing".

Is it correct to say "the crumbling economy"?

Yes, it's correct. The phrase "crumbling economy" is often used to describe an economy that is weakening or declining.

What's the difference between "crumbling" and "collapsing"?

"Crumbling" suggests a gradual process of decay, while "collapsing" implies a sudden and dramatic failure. A building might be "crumbling" for years before it finally "collapses".