crumble
verb (used with object)
to break into small fragments or crumbs.
was crumbling
-
past progressiveof crumble.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The Empire was crumbling; the Visigoths had sacked Rome.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 26, 2026
And soon Davis’ marriage was crumbling as well.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2025
Louvre officials have repeatedly warned over the past decade that the museum’s infrastructure was crumbling and its equipment out-of-date.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2025
"I felt I contributed some pretty big moments, but it felt like the whole world was crumbling down on me, especially in the three days after the final. It wasn't a nice feeling."
From BBC ● Nov. 26, 2024
The Aristotelian wall was crumbling, thanks to the influence of the Muslims and the Hindus, and by the 1400s even the staunchest European supporters of Aristotelianism had their doubts.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
