What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crumble
Example
The cookie began to crumble as I took a bite. [crumble: verb]
Example
The old building was starting to crumble and needed repairs. [crumble: verb]
Example
The sandcastle began to crumble as the waves crashed against it. [crumble: verb]
disintegrate
Example
The asteroid disintegrated upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. [disintegrated: past tense]
Example
The company began to disintegrate after the CEO resigned. [disintegrate: verb]
Example
The dead leaves disintegrated into the soil, providing nutrients for the plants. [disintegrated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crumble is more commonly used in everyday language than disintegrate, which is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crumble and disintegrate?
Both crumble and disintegrate are relatively formal words, but disintegrate may be slightly more technical and scientific in tone.
