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

But I keep stumbling over one small problem with the doomsday vision: It requires a breakdown in how the market economy functions.

From The Wall Street Journal

The breakdown below the $80 pivot from the bear flag looked convincing, until it wasn’t.

From Barron's

“A breakdown in negotiations could precipitate flows into safe-haven assets like gold,” the CEO said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Researchers think the faster breakdown in mixed samples may happen because a thin film forms where ice touches minerals.

From Science Daily

Watching Rowdy bouncing up and down on the porch, Grandpa said, “He seems to know where the meat rinds are, all right. Maybe we’d better get him one before he has a nervous breakdown.”

From Literature

Related Words

• disintegration
• disruption
• failure
• mishap
• nervous breakdown