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
Late in the second quarter Saturday afternoon at the Coliseum, a USC football team fighting for a playoff berth was crumbling beneath the weight of its worst national perception.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 15, 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officials have repeatedly warned over the past decade that the museum’s infrastructure was crumbling and its equipment out-of-date.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 was panicking - I was struggling to climb back out. All the rock was crumbling off the wall," he said.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2025
No longer did he have to wear a mask to cover the shame, to cover the truth that on the inside he was crumbling, weakened by his secrets.
From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles
