In this work, the progressive failure phenomenon is studied using the Material Point Method (MPM). MPM is categorized as a method in between the classical Finite Element Method (FEM) and the truly particle methods. It is capable of modeling large deformations, displacements and contact between different bodies. Two different geotechnical applications are presented: the pull-out of a pile; and the failure and run-out of a slope due to a rise of the phreatic level. In both cases a strain-softening Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model is used to simulate the brittleness of the materials.