Crumbling
'krʌmblɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo break or fall into small pieces; to deteriorate gradually.
'krʌmbl
To break or fall apart into small pieces.
The ancient ruins were crumbling due to neglect.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're holding a piece of old, dry bread. If you squeeze it, it starts to fall apart into tiny bits, like a soft, dry pizza crust. That's what crumbling means. Examples: The old bridge is crumbling; the building is crumbling.
👶 For kids: When something breaks into small pieces, like a cookie that falls apart.
More Examples
The cake was so dry that it began to crumble.
His hopes and dreams started crumbling after he lost his job.
How It's Used
"The old castle walls are crumbling after centuries of exposure to the elements."
"Carefully crumble the cheese over the salad."
Breaking or falling apart into small pieces; in a state of decline or disintegration.
'krʌmblɪŋ
Breaking or falling into small pieces.
The crumbling bridge was deemed unsafe.
💡 Simply: Something that is falling apart into little pieces. Imagine an old, dry cookie breaking in your hands. That's crumbling! Examples: The crumbling building; The crumbling walls.
👶 For kids: When something is breaking into small pieces.
More Examples
The museum was located in a crumbling building.
He lived in a crumbling apartment in a bad neighbourhood.
How It's Used
"The crumbling facade of the building suggested years of disuse."
"His crumbling self-confidence was evident in his hesitant speech."
Idioms & expressions
crumble under the weight of something
To be overwhelmed or defeated by a difficult situation or pressure.
"The company crumbled under the weight of debt."
crumble up
To crush or wrinkle something into a ball.
"He crumbled up the piece of paper and threw it away."
From Middle English *crumblen*, from Old English *cruma* (crumb) + *-el* (diminutive suffix).
Used since Middle English, often referring to the physical disintegration of structures or materials.
Memory tip
Think of a cookie that is broken into pieces.