| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
fall apart [fɔːl əˈpɑːt] | to break into pieces; disintegrate |
Other meanings
- to stop functioning or fail completely (plans, systems, teams)
- to become very emotionally upset; lose self-control
- (of relationships) to end; break up
- to deteriorate physically; become shabby or worn out
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "fall apart"
- The old book will fall apart if you open it.
- Without funding, the project began to fall apart.
- After the accident, he started to fall apart emotionally.
- Their marriage fell apart after years of arguments.
- My shoes are falling apart; I need a new pair.
- The team fell apart in the second half.
Features of Using "fall apart"
Intransitive only — you can’t say fall it apart. Frequently used figuratively with plans, organizations, relationships, and people. The progressive “is falling apart” highlights ongoing deterioration. Near-synonyms: “come apart” (neutral physical), “break down” (machines/emotions), “collapse” (systems).
Other phrasal verbs with the verb fall
fall off
to drop down from something
fall over
to lose balance and collapse to the ground
fall down
to collapse or drop to the ground
fall out
to stop being friends or in agreement
fall back
to retreat
fall in
to line up in formation
fall away
to gradually disappear or become less
fall behind
to move slower than others or fail to keep up
fall on
to attack or begin to attack someone or something
fall for
to be tricked or deceived
fall into
to begin to be in a particular state or condition
fall under
to be classified or placed within a particular category, jurisdiction, rule, or authority
fall to
to become the responsibility or duty of someone
fall upon
to attack suddenly and violently
fall through
to fail to happen or be completed
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb fall, including its forms and usage.