"Crumbling" refers to something that is breaking into smaller pieces, often as a result of decay, deterioration, or damage. It can describe physical objects (like buildings or food) and metaphorical concepts (like relationships or confidence). The term is relatively common both in written and oral contexts, frequently appearing in literature, conversation, and media discussions about decline or deterioration.
"Crumbling" is used moderately and can often be found in news articles, storytelling, and discussions about societal issues. It appears more prominently in written texts than in everyday conversation.
The old castle was crumbling after centuries of neglect.
Замок был рушащимся после столетий запустения.
Her confidence was crumbling as she faced more challenges.
Её уверенность рушилась, когда она сталкивалась с новыми трудностями.
The crumbling cookies fell apart when I tried to stack them.
Рушащиеся печенья рассыпались, когда я пытался сложить их друг на друга.
"Crumbling" can be used in various idiomatic expressions that convey a sense of decline or failure:
Crumbling under pressure
He is crumbling under pressure from his demanding job.
Он рушится под давлением своей требовательной работы.
Crumbling foundations
The crumbling foundations of their relationship led to a separation.
Рушащиеся основы их отношений привели к расставанию.
Crumbling to pieces
After the scandal, his reputation was crumbling to pieces.
После скандала его репутация рушилась на глазах.
Crumbling dreams
She realized her crumbling dreams could still be rebuilt with hard work.
Она поняла, что её рушащиеся мечты всё ещё можно восстановить с помощью усердной работы.
Crumbling empire
The crumbling empire of the once-great company struggled to survive.
Рушащаяся империя некогда великой компании боролась за выживание.
The word "crumbling" derives from the verb "crumble," which has its roots in Old English "crombulian," meaning to break into fragments. The use of the suffix "-ing" transforms the verb into an adjective, indicating the ongoing nature of the action.