crumbling
word · lemma: crumble
Definition
Breaking or falling apart into small pieces, often due to age, weakness, or damage. Can be used for physical things like buildings or for more abstract things like relationships or systems.
Usage & Nuances
Often used to describe old buildings ('crumbling walls'), but also applies to metaphorical situations like 'crumbling economy'. Common with 'is/are', or as an adjective before nouns ('a crumbling castle'). Not usually used for edible things like cookies (use 'crumbly' for that).
Example Sentences
Their marriage felt like it was slowly crumbling.
natural
You could see bits of plaster crumbling onto the floor.
natural
The old house is crumbling.
basic
The wall was crumbling in the rain.
basic
She touched the crumbling stone carefully.
basic
The city’s roads are crumbling from years of neglect.
natural