imminent collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

"imminent collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is likely to happen soon and unexpectedly. For example, "As the cracks in the wall grew larger, the imminent collapse of the building was made apparent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His resignation therefore threatened the government with imminent collapse.

The Economist

But there was no evidence of imminent collapse.

The New York Times

Blackmailing the world by threatening imminent collapse is vintage Pakistan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Radio reports predicted the imminent collapse of the skyscraper's roof.

The New York Times

Eight factories have temporarily suspended operations which were deemed at risk of imminent collapse.

Independent

If the measurements differ, it can be a sign of imminent collapse.

The New York Times

"These numbers are not signaling an imminent collapse in money and credit growth.

The New York Times

The moves staved off what had seemed the imminent collapse of the firms.

The New Yorker

Which? said Primera Air was still selling flights on Monday, despite its imminent collapse.

The Guardian - Business

D-Day, and Hitler's imminent collapse in Europe, are distant and unwelcome rumours.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

An allegory of Hollywood's imminent collapse-from-within?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imminent collapse" to describe situations where a sudden and catastrophic failure is anticipated, such as in economic forecasts or structural engineering assessments.

Common error

Avoid using "imminent collapse" to describe minor setbacks or inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the consequences are severe and far-reaching.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imminent collapse" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "imminent" modifies the noun "collapse". Ludwig examples show it often describes impending disasters or failures, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "imminent collapse" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations where something is on the verge of failing or breaking down suddenly. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, highlighting its role in reporting on critical situations. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it carries a strong connotation of urgency and potential disaster. When writing, it's best to reserve "imminent collapse" for situations where the consequences are truly severe and far-reaching, avoiding its overuse in less critical contexts. Alternatives like "impending collapse" or "unavoidable collapse" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unavoidable collapse

This alternative emphasizes the certainty of the collapse.

impending collapse

This alternative highlights the sense of an event about to occur.

imminent implosion

Implosion suggests a collapse inward, differing slightly in direction.

imminent disintegration

Disintegration implies a breakdown into smaller parts, adding a nuance of fragmentation.

next collapse

This focuses on the sequential nature of collapses, implying recurrence.

imminent breakup

Breakup suggests a separation into distinct parts, which can apply to relationships or organizations.

imminent dissolution

Dissolution suggests a formal ending or termination, often applied to organizations.

direct collapse

This emphasizes the straightforward and unmediated nature of the collapse.

imminent bankruptcy

Bankruptcy refers specifically to financial collapse.

imminent downturn

Downturn suggests a decline, which is a softer form of collapse.

FAQs

How to use "imminent collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "imminent collapse" to describe situations where something is on the verge of failing suddenly and completely. For example, "The neglected bridge showed signs of "imminent collapse" after the heavy storm".

What can I say instead of "imminent collapse"?

You can use alternatives like "impending collapse", "unavoidable collapse", or "imminent failure" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "imminent collapse" or "impending collapse"?

Both "imminent collapse" and "impending collapse" are correct and can be used interchangeably. "Imminent" suggests something is about to happen very soon, while "impending" also suggests something is approaching.

What's the difference between "imminent collapse" and "gradual decline"?

"Imminent collapse" suggests a sudden and catastrophic failure, whereas "gradual decline" implies a slow and progressive deterioration over time.