1 B1 neutral
To break into separate pieces; to disintegrate or stop holding together.
"The old paperback book came apart in my hands as I turned the pages."
inseparable
come apart
B1 neutral intransitive
To separate into pieces; to break or disassemble; or to lose emotional composure.
In plain English
To break into pieces or fall to bits; or when someone can't control their emotions any more.
What does "come apart" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
(Of a person) to lose emotional control; to break down under stress or grief.
"She held herself together at the funeral, but came apart later that evening."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
(Of a plan, relationship, or situation) to fail or collapse.
"The peace negotiations came apart when neither side would compromise on territory."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Transparent in the physical sense: the parts separate from each other.
Actually means
To break into pieces or fall to bits; or when someone can't control their emotions any more.
Usage tip
Used both literally (the shelf came apart) and figuratively (she came apart after the loss). The figurative use for emotional breakdown is very common in fiction and journalism. Also used for things designed to be taken apart: 'the lamp comes apart for storage'.
Words that pair with "come apart"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
seams joins hands pieces grief stress examination
How to conjugate "come apart"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
come apart
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes apart
he/she/it
Past simple
came apart
yesterday
Past participle
come apart
have + pp
-ing form
coming apart
continuous
Hear "come apart" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "come apart" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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