dismantling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dismantling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of taking an object apart and separating it into its component pieces. For example, "The team began dismantling the old engine so that the individual parts could be recycled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The burdens for the local population through the setting up and dismantling the Oktoberfest is already very high".

The Guardian

But now the EU seems to be turning a blind eye to one of these countries: Hungary, where a governing party with a huge majority in parliament is busy dismantling the rule of law and eroding a fragile democratic political culture.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even British Eurosceptics, who love to fantasise about leaving the EU altogether, hardly ever contemplate the practicalities of disengagement from "Europe" (Lord Wolfson's call to devise plans for dismantling the eurozone is a rare exception).

The Guardian - Opinion

It is part of an effort to boost the profits of large corporations and Wall Street by offshoring jobs, undercutting worker rights, and dismantling labor, environmental, health, food safety and financial laws.

The Guardian - Opinion

To claim we are "struggling" when serious inroads are being made into dismantling organised crime groups is an unusual viewpoint.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which explains why Abbott is also dismantling support for Australia's renewable energy sector.

The Guardian

The GLA has had some success in dismantling crime rings in Cambridgeshire, Derby and Norfolk, yet the scale of the problem seems beyond its reach.

The Guardian - Opinion

In mid-2015, we propose dismantling the State and Territory Director structure and looking at new ways of handling local administrative and stakeholder responsibilities".

The Guardian

Whereas Friedman had done a devastating job in dismantling what became known as "naive Keynesianism" (in contrast to the various strands of new Keynesianism that reformulated the analysis), his positive proposals have been less successful.

The Guardian

A spokesman for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which has monitored Syria dismantling its chemical weapons stockpile, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Guardian

For Labour after 2010, that meant either devoting enormous energy to dismantling the coalition narrative – explaining that Labour spending was not always wise, but that it decidedly did not cause the crash or the deficit that followed – or surrendering to it, declaring Labour got it wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dismantling" when referring to a systematic process of taking something apart or breaking it down, whether physically or conceptually.

Common error

Don't use "dismantling" when a simpler term like "removing" or "stopping" would suffice. "Dismantling" implies a deliberate, structured effort to disassemble or deconstruct something.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dismantling" is as a noun, typically used as a gerund or present participle acting as a noun. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the word. It describes the action or process of taking something apart or breaking it down systematically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dismantling" functions as a noun that refers to the process of systematically taking something apart or breaking it down. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage spans across news, formal, and scientific contexts, indicating a relatively neutral register, although it frequently leans towards professional and analytical applications. When using "dismantling", consider its implication of a deliberate and structured deconstruction, and avoid using it when simpler terms would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking down

Focuses on removing or disassembling something, often in a temporary or reversible way.

taking apart

Focuses on the physical process of separating components, often for repair or analysis.

deconstructing

Implies a more systematic and analytical approach to breaking down a concept or structure.

breaking down

Suggests a gradual process of disintegration or failure, often in a less structured manner.

demolishing

Emphasizes the act of destroying or wrecking something, usually a building or structure.

decommissioning

Specifically refers to taking something out of service, often involving a formal procedure.

dissolving

Implies disintegration or termination of an organization or agreement.

tearing down

Suggests a forceful and often destructive process of demolition.

abolishing

Refers to formally putting an end to a system, practice, or institution.

razing

Implies the complete destruction of a structure, leveling it to the ground.

FAQs

How is "dismantling" used in a sentence?

Dismantling is used to describe the act of taking something apart, either physically, like "dismantling a machine", or systematically, like "dismantling a political system".

What are some synonyms for "dismantling"?

Synonyms for "dismantling" include "taking apart", "deconstructing", "breaking down", or "demolishing", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "dismantling" in formal writing?

Yes, "dismantling" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a systematic process of deconstruction or disassembly. However, ensure the context warrants its use; simpler terms may be more suitable in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "dismantling" and "demolishing"?

"Dismantling" implies a careful, systematic process of taking something apart, often with the intention of reusing components. "Demolishing", on the other hand, suggests complete destruction. You dismantle a machine, but you demolish a building.