Crumbled Meaning in English
word · lemma: crumble
Definition
Broken into small pieces, usually by being crushed or falling apart. Can also mean something has fallen apart physically or gradually stopped working (like an organization or system).
Usage & Nuances
Usually describes physical substances like bread or stone, but can also be used metaphorically for abstract things ('her confidence crumbled'). Formal and informal use. Common collocations: 'crumbled cookies', 'crumbling walls', 'crumbled into dust'. Not to be confused with 'crumpled' (wrinkled, like paper).
Example Sentences
The bread crumbled in my hands.
basic
She crumbled the cheese on top of the salad.
basic
The old wall slowly crumbled over the years.
basic
His confidence crumbled when he heard the bad news.
natural
The cookie just crumbled when I tried to pick it up.
natural
After the scandal, the entire organization crumbled.
natural