ENGLISH
REFERENCE

disintegration

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //dɪˌsɪnəˈɡɹeɪʃən// UK //dˌɪsˌɪntɪɡɹˈeɪʃən// dis·in·te·gra·tion

n. the process of breaking into small pieces or falling apart completely. It can describe a physical object breaking or a group of people losing their connection.

n. the process of losing cohesion or strength; the breaking down of a whole into constituent parts or fragments. In a geological context, refers to the mechanical weathering of rock into smaller particles without chemical change.


SIMPLE

The old building is in a state of total disintegration.

CONTEXTUAL

Geologists observed the rapid disintegration of the cliff face due to the constant cycle of freezing and thawing.

COMPLEX

The political scientist argued that the sudden disintegration of the empire was caused by internal corruption rather than external military pressure.

Synonyms
Origin

From disintegrate + -ion or dis- + integration.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' to identify the entity that is breaking apart.

© 2026 English Reference