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

Paramount would also have to pay Warner a $7-billion breakup fee should the deal fall apart.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Jul. 2, 2026

A win down under last winter would have been the crowning glory of Stokes' career, only for the tour to fall apart on his watch.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

She could cry once she was home, but there was no way she was going to fall apart in front of Claire.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway

Related Words

• break down
• collapse
• crumble