crumbling edifice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crumbling edifice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a building or structure that is falling apart or deteriorating, often used metaphorically to refer to failing institutions or systems. Example: "The once-grand library now stood as a crumbling edifice, a shadow of its former glory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Their shrine was Ebbets Field, a crumbling edifice known for its obstructed views and peculiar dimensions.

The New York Times - Books

In protest at the whole crumbling edifice, one far‑flung relative has gone off to become a monk.

The Guardian - Books

One afternoon, their convoy drove up to the old headquarters of the Ministry of Defense, a crumbling edifice built in the nineteen sixties, now occupied by squatters.

The New Yorker

Once a city of two million people and the envy of the industrial world, it is literally the crumbling edifice of its former self.

The Guardian

The philosopher thought he had succeeded not in overturning the true faith but in protecting it from the crumbling edifice of ancient natural science.

The New York Times - Books

And days before a New York magazine piece by Gabriel Sherman about the News Corporation ran, Gawker published a post suggesting that it would "shake loose some of the crumbling edifice of Murdoch's empire".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He painstakingly renders the crumbling edifices and their surroundings, paying close attention to texture, light and shadow.

The Washington Post

Contestants responded with a plethora of images: crumbling edifices, smokestacks juxtaposed against modern antennae, bodies healing from injuries, even a woman pulling up stockings.

MIT Technology Review

We all sank gratefully into the pool of steaming, sulphuric water, framed by crumbling edifices of the old bathhouse with dramatic views within a prehistoric volcanic crater.

The Guardian - Travel

11 30 p.m. 5) SHAKE A TAIL FEATHER In keeping with its old Cuba vibe, Habana Panama (Calle Eloy Alfaro and Calle 12 Este, Casco Viejo; 507-212-0152; habanapanama.com) blends in with the crumbling edifices at the edge of Casco Viejo's refurbished core.

The New York Times - Travel

Our cities are turning into more of an architectural hodgepodge, where skyscrapers gleam next to crumbling edifices.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crumbling edifice" to add a dramatic and evocative tone when describing something that is decaying or failing. It works particularly well in contexts where you want to convey a sense of lost grandeur or inevitable decline.

Common error

Avoid using "crumbling edifice" in casual or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place in everyday conversations or lighthearted content. Opt for simpler, more direct language in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crumbling edifice" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines an adjective ("crumbling") with a noun ("edifice") to vividly portray something that is decaying or collapsing, often with implications of former greatness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crumbling edifice" is a grammatically correct and evocative phrase used to describe something decaying or collapsing, whether a physical structure or an abstract system. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, lending a tone of decline and lost grandeur. While a powerful image, it's best reserved for formal writing to avoid sounding out of place in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "decaying structure" or "failing system" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decaying structure

Focuses on the process of decomposition and loss of integrity in the structure.

dilapidated building

Emphasizes the state of disrepair and neglect of the building.

deteriorating institution

Shifts the focus from a physical structure to an organization or system that is failing.

collapsing framework

Highlights the breakdown of the underlying system or support.

failing system

Directly addresses the ineffectiveness and decline of a particular system.

disintegrating foundation

Stresses the loss of the essential base or support, leading to collapse.

ruined monument

Implies a structure that was once grand but has now fallen into decay.

decaying monument

Emphasizes the gradual process of decay affecting a once important structure.

ramshackle building

Focuses on the poor construction and state of disrepair of a building.

shattered structure

Suggests a sudden and forceful breaking apart of the structure.

FAQs

How can I use "crumbling edifice" in a sentence?

You can use "crumbling edifice" to describe a physical structure in decay, as in, "The old mansion stood as a "crumbling edifice", a testament to time's passage." It can also metaphorically refer to institutions or systems, like, "The political system was a "crumbling edifice", rife with corruption and inefficiency."

What are some alternatives to "crumbling edifice"?

Alternatives include "decaying structure", "dilapidated building", or "failing system". The best choice depends on whether you're referring to a physical structure or a more abstract concept.

When is it appropriate to use "crumbling edifice"?

"Crumbling edifice" is suitable for formal writing, news reports, or contexts where you want to convey a sense of decay and decline with a touch of dramatic flair. It is less appropriate for informal or casual situations.

How does "crumbling edifice" differ from "dilapidated building"?

While both describe decay, "crumbling edifice" carries a stronger sense of lost grandeur and historical significance. A "dilapidated building" simply refers to a structure in disrepair, whereas a "crumbling edifice" suggests something more substantial and once impressive that is now falling apart.