breakdown
Americannoun
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a breaking down, wearing out, or sudden loss of ability to function efficiently, as of a machine.
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a loss of mental or physical health; collapse.
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an analysis or classification of something; division into parts, categories, processes, etc.
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Chemistry.
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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.
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a noisy, lively folk dance.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of breakdown
First recorded in 1825–35; noun use of verb phrase break down
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
An investigation is under way after a "breakdown in proceedings" led to a council meeting being called off.
From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026
The sharp fall largely reflects a pullback after April’s 8.7% rise, rather than a fundamental breakdown, he says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
The newly observed breakdown of stable soil carbon points to a potentially stronger climate feedback loop.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 14, 2026
A breakdown below support at 7,300 would be bearish.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026
As for Caroline, I think she’s on the verge of a breakdown.
From "Linked" by Gordon Korman
Although rulings on the shadow docket are typically unsigned and do not include vote breakdowns, we were able to identify how a justice voted in some cases.
From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026
High blood pressure, nervous breakdowns, respiratory problems, fever and dehydration feature among the most common ailments at the site housing hundreds, according to several doctors consulted.
From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026
He warned that heat can put strain on vehicles and increases the potential for vehicle breakdowns.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026
The study shows that shocks can move through both horizontal and vertical pathways, as well as through direct and indirect connections, creating long chains of disruption and sudden breakdowns.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 20, 2026
But mostly it was a heartwarmingly plain, sincere machine, promising good fun and few breakdowns; the sort of car that, especially in soft yellow, looked like nothing so much as a bar of soap.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
