breakdown
noun
a breaking down, wearing out, or sudden loss of ability to function efficiently, as of a machine.
breakdowns
-
pluralof breakdown.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
Jo hit burnout a year into her management role, and it led to two breakdowns within a year.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026
Gas infrastructure routinely experiences breakdowns or technical disruptions that halt flows.
From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026
Reporter Lauren Weber attended one for corporate professionals who had hit unexpected walls—burnout, breakdowns, disillusionment—that were forcing them to try a different approach.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
Philadelphia and Boston, much older cities, have more water main breakdowns than L.A.,
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026
In the hospital, her father despaired at incompetences and breakdowns in procedures, at the rough, professional hands that prodded him.
From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García
