Word
buckling
Phoneticsbuck·ling, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbəkɫɪŋ/
UK/bˈʌklɪŋ/
Definition
v. to bend or break under pressure. In geology, it describes how rock layers fold when they are pushed together by the Earth's movement.
v. to bend, twist, or collapse under pressure or stress. In a geological context, it refers to the deformation of rock strata into folds as a result of tectonic forces.
Examples
“The old fence is buckling under the weight of the heavy snow.”
“Geologists observed the buckling of the sedimentary layers as the tectonic plates continued to collide over millions of years.”
“The structural integrity of the bridge was compromised when the steel supports began buckling under the unprecedented strain of the hurricane-force winds.”
Examples
simple
“The old fence is buckling under the weight of the heavy snow.”
contextual
“Geologists observed the buckling of the sedimentary layers as the tectonic plates continued to collide over millions of years.”
complex
“The structural integrity of the bridge was compromised when the steel supports began buckling under the unprecedented strain of the hurricane-force winds.”
Real-World Examples
“The revenues are supposed to be spent on local services, especially in towns and cities buckling under the pressure of overtourism, or on maintaining monuments.” “Other materials can be ensnared by wool fibers, buckling and rippling as the wool shrinks.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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