adjective Uncommon

crumbling

KRUHMB-lihng

Crumbling (adjective) means falling apart into small pieces or fragments. Example: “The crumbling wall finally gave way after years of neglect.”

adjective

Falling apart into small pieces or fragments.

"The crumbling wall finally gave way after years of neglect."

"She stepped carefully over the crumbling stone steps."

Falling into decline or decay, often used figuratively.

"The crumbling economy left many families struggling."

"His crumbling marriage was obvious to everyone at the party."

How to use crumbling

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBreaking apart bit by bit, whether it is a physical object or something more abstract like a relationship or system.

Common pairings

crumbling wall crumbling economy crumbling relationship

Word forms

crumblings plural

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The _____ wall finally gave way after years of neglect.

Rhymes for crumbling

tumbling humbling rumbling fumbling mumbling bumbling stumbling grumbling

See all rhymes for crumbling →

Frequently asked questions

What does “crumbling” mean?

The word “crumbling” means falling apart into small pieces or fragments. In plain terms, breaking apart bit by bit, whether it is a physical object or something more abstract like a relationship or system.

How do you pronounce “crumbling”?

“Crumbling” is pronounced KRUHMB-lihng (/ˈkɹʌmblɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “crumbling” in a sentence?

Here is “crumbling” used in a sentence: “The crumbling wall finally gave way after years of neglect.”

What part of speech is “crumbling”?

“Crumbling” is an adjective.

Is “crumbling” a common word?

“Crumbling” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “crumbling” have?

“Crumbling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: falling apart into small pieces or fragments.