disintegrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disintegrate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of something breaking apart or falling to pieces, often used in scientific or metaphorical contexts. Example: "Over time, the old building began to disintegrate, leaving only rubble behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Curtis's career progressed, his marriage to Leigh – who had sacrificed her work for him and their children, Jamie Lee and Kelly – began to disintegrate.

The Guardian - Film

Simmer for four hours, until the kernels are tender and starting to disintegrate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The bones, being subject to air, water and heat, get completely dried and disintegrate.

The Guardian

Fatigue cracks are what caused three De Havilland Comets, the world's first passenger jets, to disintegrate catastrophically during flight.

The Economist

Mr Campbell was always unlikely to disintegrate under the questioning of the inquiry panel, and he hasn't.

The Economist

Indonesian leaders and others made money there, but the military's dogged reluctance to cede the territory also reflected a fear that Indonesia could disintegrate: if East Timor left, other islands and territories which have been part of Indonesia far longer might seek independence, too.By Eric S. Margolis.

The Economist

In the aftermath of such a rout, some Labour supporters fear, the party may disintegrate, with a revived Old Labour faction, wedded to the ideals of punitive taxation and a monolithic state, reasserting its anachronistic grip.Mr Brown, in the libraryBut if the demise is plain enough, the explanation is less so.

The Economist

If his party fails at least to displace the PRI as the largest party, then Mr Fox risks becoming a lame duck half-way through his term, and Mexico will have squandered an opportunity for change.Three years ago, the PRI was dismissed by many pundits as a party of "dinosaurs" that would quickly disintegrate without the glue of executive power.

The Economist

It is a measure of the failure of Russia's rulers that the almost nostalgic verdict, both at home and abroad, on the past eight months is that Russia did not disintegrate, starve, freeze, hyperinflate or descend into anarchy.

The Economist

If the rebels attacked together, Mr Taylor's unpaid, barely-trained army of drug-high war orphans would surely disintegrate.

The Economist

Alexander Downer, Australia's foreign minister, has worried aloud that Indonesia could disintegrate into a "bloodbath" if it seceded.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disintegrate" to describe a complete loss of structure or cohesion, whether physical or metaphorical. For instance, "The empire began to disintegrate after the emperor's death."

Common error

Avoid using "disintegrate" when describing something that is merely damaged or slightly broken. "Disintegrate" implies a complete breakdown, not just a minor flaw.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disintegrate" is as an intransitive verb, describing the action of something breaking apart or falling to pieces. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "disintegrate" effectively conveys the complete breakdown or falling apart of something, whether physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly within News & Media. While maintaining a neutral register, it's crucial to reserve "disintegrate" for scenarios involving complete loss of structure, avoiding its misuse for mere damage. Alternatives such as "fall apart" or "crumble" offer nuanced options for similar meanings. Overall, "disintegrate" remains a potent tool for describing irreversible fragmentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall apart

Implies a gradual breakdown or decay, often due to inherent weakness or external pressure.

break down

Indicates a failure in function or structure, leading to fragmentation or cessation.

crumble

Suggests a reduction to small fragments or dust, often associated with age or decay.

dissolve

Implies a disappearance into a liquid or other medium, losing form and cohesion.

decay

Indicates a natural process of decomposition and deterioration.

decompose

Suggests breaking down into simpler components, often through biological processes.

collapse

Indicates a sudden failure of structure, resulting in a heap or ruin.

break up

Implies splitting into smaller, distinct parts.

dismember

Signifies the violent separation of limbs or parts.

vanish

Suggests a complete disappearance without a trace.

FAQs

How can I use "disintegrate" in a sentence?

You can use "disintegrate" to describe something breaking apart completely. For example, "The old building began to disintegrate after years of neglect."

What's a good alternative to using "disintegrate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fall apart", "crumble", or "decay".

Is it correct to say something "disintegrated slightly"?

While technically understandable, saying something "disintegrated slightly" is not ideal. "Disintegrate" implies a complete breakdown. Consider using words like "damaged" or "deteriorated" for partial effects.

What is the difference between "disintegrate" and "dissolve"?

"Disintegrate" generally implies a breaking apart into fragments, while "dissolve" suggests a substance disappearing into a liquid or other medium.