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

Competitive players say the company is ruining the sport with its focus on frivolous entertainment while allowing lanes and equipment to fall apart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jul. 2, 2026

Before Huang could finish the book, the life he was writing about had to fall apart.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

The adhesive CreateMe uses is thermoset, which means that ironing or washing machine temperatures aren't enough to melt it and make the clothes fall apart, insists Myers.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

He was thirty-seven years old and it was all going to fall apart again.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

Related Words

• break down
• collapse
• crumble