fall apart

phrase

1

: disintegrate

The pie was falling apart as I served it.

2

: to succumb to mental or emotional stress : break down

She began to fall apart when her son was imprisoned.

Examples of fall apart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the time, a college spokesperson told the Miami Herald that the college had a five-year lease on the property since 2016 with an option to renew for five more years, but communications between the city and the college fell apart. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

If Iceland votes yes, things could still fall apart in the months-long talks to reach a formal agreement. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

That deal fell apart within weeks after Iran started attacking ships. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Milton's kicker appeared to be caught off guard, and the play fell apart on a turnover on downs. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fall apart

• counterpart
• art
• cart
• carte
• chart
• dart
• fart
• haart
• mart
• part
• smart
• start