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 his trip comes amid a major breakdown in trust between Washington and European capitals in the wake of the Greenland drama, which rattled transatlantic relations.

From Barron's

The selloff last week feels like it created a compelling risk/reward opportunity, as the stock has nearly met its measured move lower from the bearish head and shoulders breakdown.

From Barron's

“After significant outperformance, we view the recent pullback in technology as a reset in expectations rather than a breakdown,” said a team led by chief investment officer Keith Lerner.

From MarketWatch

Rather than pointing to a sudden societal breakdown, the findings suggest that Rapanui communities adapted and persisted despite severe and lasting climate stress.

From Science Daily

But the breakdown of the nuclear family may very well be.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• disintegration
• disruption
• failure
• mishap
• nervous breakdown