point of disintegration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point of disintegration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment or location where something begins to break down or fall apart, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The project reached a point of disintegration when team members started to lose focus and motivation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Jaroslaw Kaczynski's emotional helter-skelter since his brother's death has rattled Law and Justice to the point of disintegration.

The Economist

More recently, she has photographed dead leaves, bleached of their colour and on the point of disintegration.

Independent

Bulgaria appeared to be on the point of disintegration into feudal states when the invasions of the Ottoman Turks began.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pompeo's Warsaw war rally marks another stage in the deliberate, Trumpian process of dividing and disrupting the postwar western alliance, to the point of disintegration.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first LP released on R.I.P. Society, this offers up one- and two-minute tunes that take shambling garage to the point of disintegration.

The Guardian

Coventry, notably, was on the point of disintegration with its theatres and social clubs closed down; in their great song Ghost Town, the Specials communicated a spirit of hopelessness in the recession-hit Midlands.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In Group 3 the points of disintegration of the perineurial inner layers were revealed (Fig. 3a).

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Even occasional points of disintegration fall into bouts of unsettling abstraction, as on Silver Sparkle Attraction, where the brief partitioning of the black veils reveals an unsettling cog-work conflation of Keith Rowe and Supersilent.

BBC

Henry, who was so dismayed when his team crumbled four years ago at an outbreak of French brilliance on what seemed like the point of their own disintegration, is, it seems, willing to play all morning long the game of shoring up the belief of his men.

Independent

The piece therefore has to be held, balanced and braced so that it is always on the point of collapse, just skirting disintegration.

The New York Times - Arts

Investigators were able to identify the point of origin of the disintegration as an area immediately ahead of the leading edge of the aircraft's right wing.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "point of disintegration" to describe situations where something is imminently falling apart, whether it's a physical object, a social structure, or an abstract concept. The phrase emphasizes the precariousness of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "point of disintegration" when describing a gradual decline or slow deterioration. This phrase is best reserved for situations nearing immediate and irreversible failure. Instead, consider phrases like "process of decay" or "gradual decline" for slower changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point of disintegration" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a specific stage or moment preceding a breakdown or collapse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes a state of impending failure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "point of disintegration" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a critical moment or stage preceding a breakdown or collapse. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is grammatically correct and suitable for describing precarious situations across various contexts. It's most frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. To avoid misuse, reserve this phrase for situations nearing immediate failure, not gradual decline. Similar phrases like "breaking point" or "verge of collapse" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, adjusting the nuance as necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breaking point

Focuses on the moment something is about to fail due to stress or pressure.

collapse threshold

Emphasizes the limit beyond which something cannot maintain its structure or function.

stage of collapse

Highlights that disintegration occurs in phases or steps.

moment of failure

Pinpoints the exact instance when something ceases to function or exist.

verge of collapse

Suggests an imminent state of failure or breakdown.

cusp of collapse

Highlights the precariousness of being on the edge of disintegration.

state of decay

Shifts the focus to the process of deterioration, rather than a specific point.

beginning of the end

Indicates the start of a decline or termination.

final breakdown

Implies a complete and irreversible failure.

terminal phase

Highlights the last stage of a process leading to disintegration.

FAQs

How can I use "point of disintegration" in a sentence?

You can use "point of disintegration" to describe a moment when something is about to collapse or fall apart. For example, "The political alliance reached a "point of disintegration" after the scandal."

What phrases are similar to "point of disintegration"?

Similar phrases include "breaking point", "verge of collapse", or "stage of collapse". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "point of disintegration" formal or informal?

"Point of disintegration" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic, journalistic, and professional contexts. It might be less common in very informal conversation.

What's the difference between "point of disintegration" and "state of decay"?

"Point of disintegration" refers to a specific moment or stage just before something breaks down, while "state of decay" describes an ongoing process of deterioration over time.