cusp of collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cusp of collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is on the verge of failing or breaking down. Example: "The economy is on the cusp of collapse due to the ongoing financial crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Neither revolution is on the cusp of collapse.

The New Yorker

This ensured that even if the firm were on the cusp of collapse, customers could safely access their money.

The New York Times

This is a Gesamtkunstwerk on the cusp of collapse, and it's that fragility, more than Althoff's often wearying sentimentality, that makes the exhibition so moving.

The New Yorker

The two years of negotiations between Iran and the EU trio are on the cusp of collapse because Tehran, in advance, deems the EU offer to be made this weekend as unacceptable.

The Guardian

With Russia now on the cusp of collapse, we can expect these men to step forward.

Forbes

America's multi-year strategy against ISIS lies on the cusp of collapse.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

That makes it second only to the 2008 convention in Los Angeles, held on the cusp of the collapse in travel.

The New York Times

A lot of people are upset to see the city of Rio de Janeiro on the cusp of financial collapse with very few resources to pay for essential health and security services.

The Guardian - Sport

Not so much a specific year but a specific moment: I wanted the story-world to be on the cusp of a catastrophic ecological collapse, a year or so before things really go down the chute for humanity.

The New Yorker

In 2000, on the cusp of the dot-com collapse, he founded a Wi-Fi company.

Forbes

The recapture of the Grand al-Nuri mosque and its damaged minaret is a symbolic victory for an Iraqi army that just a few short years ago was on the cusp of complete and utter collapse.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cusp of collapse", ensure the context clearly indicates an imminent and significant failure or breakdown. Avoid using it for minor setbacks.

Common error

Avoid using "cusp of collapse" to describe minor problems or temporary setbacks. This phrase suggests a dire and imminent failure, so reserve it for situations of genuine crisis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cusp of collapse" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize a situation, entity, or system that is approaching a critical point of failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used when something is on the verge of breaking down. Examples from news media illustrate this use in various contexts, like economies or strategies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cusp of collapse" describes a situation that is nearing complete failure or breakdown. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate use. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, serving to warn or highlight critical vulnerabilities. While "cusp of collapse" can be used across various registers, ensure that its use accurately reflects the dire and imminent nature of the situation. Alternatives like "brink of collapse" or "edge of collapse" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brink of collapse

This alternative emphasizes imminence and precariousness, highlighting the situation's instability.

edge of collapse

Similar to "brink", but may suggest a slightly longer period before the potential failure.

verge of collapse

Indicates a point very close to collapse, almost at the moment of failure.

point of collapse

Focuses on the specific moment when the collapse is about to occur.

threshold of collapse

Highlights the boundary or limit beyond which collapse becomes inevitable.

cusp of failure

Broader term emphasizing potential failure rather than specifically structural collapse.

eve of collapse

Emphasizes the temporal proximity to the event, suggesting it is imminent.

cusp of dissolution

Focuses on disintegration or termination, broadening the scope beyond physical collapse.

cusp of bankruptcy

Specifically refers to financial ruin, making it a more targeted alternative.

cusp of implosion

Suggests a sudden and catastrophic failure from within, differing slightly in connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "cusp of collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "cusp of collapse" to describe situations nearing a critical failure point, such as "The nation's economy is on the cusp of collapse" or "The peace talks are on the cusp of collapse".

What are some alternatives to "cusp of collapse"?

Some alternatives include "brink of collapse", "edge of collapse", or "verge of collapse". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cusp of collapse" formal or informal?

"Cusp of collapse" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is typically seen in news reports and analytical writing.

What does it mean for something to be on the "cusp of collapse"?

When something is on the "cusp of collapse", it means it is very close to failing or breaking down completely. The situation is unstable and the negative outcome is very likely.