crumble
verb (used with object)
to break into small fragments or crumbs.
were 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.
"We will not allow any nation to determine our future. We will set our own course to keep building Canada strong for all," Carney said Friday, as negotiations for a bilateral trade deal were crumbling.
From Barron's ● Aug. 22, 2026
Sure, the buildings were crumbling, but the art deco architecture was historic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026
The head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said that its aid operations were crumbling, citing distressing reports from local staff.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 27, 2023
"Stadiums were crumbling urinals. They were dangerous. It was not safe to go to matches and it had become a ridiculous cartoon to see all English fans as hooligans."
From BBC ● Jun. 2, 2020
I could now see how its paint was cracking, and how the timber frames of the little cabin were crumbling away.
From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro
