breakdown

American  

[breyk-doun] / ˈbreɪkˌdaʊn /

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.

3. an analysis or classification of something; division into parts, categories, processes, etc.

4. Chemistry.

   1. decomposition.

   2. analysis.

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.

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Etymology

Origin of breakdown

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

Example Sentences

We have looked at a detailed breakdown of the state of 210 NHS Wales sites, ranging from community clinics to major general hospitals.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

That can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle breakdown caused by overexertion that can result in kidney failure, said Francisco J. Amaro Gahete, a leading researcher focused on whole-body EMS.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

That period was defined by a broad-based breakdown in mortgage and credit markets, ultimately exposing systemic weaknesses across the financial system.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Below is a breakdown of NordVPN’s Basic plan for its three terms.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

"Small breakdown," the father murmured quietly so Dr. Tandlemann wouldn't hear him.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

Related Words

• disintegration
• disruption
• failure
• mishap
• nervous breakdown