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

The Rams have lost four games this season, three resulting in part from special teams breakdowns.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition, we are going to take a bearish position if a breakdown occurs.

From MarketWatch

The organisation's trustees decided Dr Begum's position was "untenable" because of an "irretrievable breakdown in its trust and confidence" in her ability to do the job.

From BBC

It is the same thing that a mother does, even on the brink of a complete breakdown: She can’t strike.

From Los Angeles Times

The organisation's trustees decided Dr Halima Begum's position was "untenable" because of an "irretrievable breakdown in its trust and confidence" in her ability to do the job.

From BBC

Related Words

• disintegration
• disruption
• failure
• mishap
• nervous breakdown