collapse
verb (used without object)
to fall or cave in; crumble suddenly.
have collapsed
-
present perfectof collapse.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Greenlanders and other Inuit peoples have hunted seals for their meat and skin for centuries, but international bans have collapsed sealskin markets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026
Meanwhile, fuel exports from China have collapsed, in part because it is getting less crude oil to process from the Middle East.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
Feliciano De Santis, president of the Venezuelan Geological Society, said La Guaira will be a focus for scientists “because the fact that so many buildings in that area have collapsed is truly abnormal.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 2026
Bellamy, 46, had held talks with the the Clarets but the move now looks to have collapsed.
From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026
It was just in time—another step and Reynie might have collapsed into a useless heap.
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
