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

If anything, Texas came up $14 million short, according to a breakdown of tax revenues in the same analysis.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

Instead, it was pulled into a broader regional breakdown as the larger system unraveled.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

Here’s a breakdown of who the Rams have selected through the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL draft.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

The stressful process put pressure on his relationship and led to him having a mental breakdown, he says.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

We had to see them watching our faces for any sign of a nervous breakdown.

From "Missing May" by Cynthia Rylant

Related Words

• disintegration
• disruption
• failure
• mishap
• nervous breakdown