fall apart

British  

verb

1. to break owing to long use or poor construction

   the chassis is falling apart

2. to become disorganized and ineffective

   since you resigned, the office has fallen apart

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fall apart Idioms  

1. Collapse, break down, either physically or mentally and emotionally. For example, This chair is about to fall apart, or After his wife died, he fell apart. For synonyms for the latter usage, see come apart at the seams; go to pieces.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fall apart

“And once it makes that transition from the warmer to the cooler waters, it’s going to fall apart rapidly. So really, it’s just the remnants that are moving forward.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

The talks are ongoing and could fall apart, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

And we wanted to let women know that if we do that, everything isn't going to fall apart.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

"Everything is powered by electricity right now. Without us, the whole world would probably fall apart."

From Barron's ● Jul. 2, 2026

I think she’s about to fall apart, and if my mother falls apart, so will this whole pageant.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

Related Words

• break down
• collapse
• crumble