breakdown

[ breyk-doun ]

noun

1. a breaking down, wearing out, or sudden loss of ability to function efficiently, as of a machine.
2. a loss of mental or physical health; collapse. Compare nervous breakdown.
3. an analysis or classification of something; division into parts, categories, processes, etc.
4. Chemistry.
   1. decomposition.
   2. analysis ( def 6 ).
5. Electricity. an electric discharge passing through faulty insulation or other material used to separate circuits or passing between electrodes in a vacuum or gas-filled tube.
6. a noisy, lively folk dance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breakdown¹

First recorded in 1825–35; noun use of verb phrase break down

Example Sentences

Budehaven Community School in Bude, Cornwall said it had "experienced a complete breakdown of our internet, registration and telephone services" and was "unable to safeguard our pupils" until the system was fixed by its external provider.

From BBC

The Stade de France was the scene of a dangerous breakdown in law-and-order at a Uefa Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in 2022.

From BBC

Nicola added: "People do pigeon hole us. I want to breakdown that stereotype, I have a full and happy life."

From BBC

He said: "In less than 10 seconds the tug capsized, and two experienced seafarers lost their lives, because of a breakdown of the systems that should have kept them safe."

From BBC

The deaths of two men when a tugboat capsized on the Clyde near Greenock was caused by a "breakdown" in safety procedures, an accident report has found.

From BBC

Related Words

• disintegration
• disruption
• failure
• mishap
• nervous breakdown