Crumble/ˈkrʌmbl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Physical Breakdown Used when something solid breaks into smaller pieces, often unpredictably or without much force. With a gentle touch, the brittle leaf crumbled. Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use Metaphorically applies to situations or things falling apart, not just physical objects. Their plans crumbled after the funding was cut. Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation Often implies a gradual or unexpected failure, highlighting a sense of disappointment. The ancient ruins had crumbled over centuries.