Word
disintegrate
Phoneticsdis·in·te·grate, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈsɪntəˌɡɹeɪt/
UK/dˌɪsˈɪntɪɡɹˌeɪt/
Definition
v. to fall apart into many small pieces. You use this when something breaks down completely, like old paper or a group of people.
v. to fall apart or break into fragments; to lose coherence or unity. Often describes physical decay or the breakdown of social structures.
Examples
“The old bridge began to disintegrate after the heavy storm.”
“The once-powerful political party began to disintegrate as members argued over the new leader's policies.”
“The ancient manuscript was so fragile that even the slightest touch would cause it to disintegrate into a cloud of dust.”
Examples
simple
“The old bridge began to disintegrate after the heavy storm.”
contextual
“The once-powerful political party began to disintegrate as members argued over the new leader's policies.”
complex
“The ancient manuscript was so fragile that even the slightest touch would cause it to disintegrate into a cloud of dust.”
Real-World Examples
“Global supply chains that took decades to build can disintegrate overnight.” “By the time he made it home, his sense of reality had disintegrated.” Etymology
Recorded since 1785, from dis- + integrate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/disintegrate