C1noun 2K

Breakdown

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈbreɪkdaʊn/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈbreɪkdaʊn/"]/

Meaning of Breakdown

an occasion when a vehicle or machine stops working

In simple words: A failure or collapse of something, like a machine or system.

Breakdown in a sentence

• The breakdown of the car left us stranded on the highway.
• After the breakdown of negotiations, both parties returned to their original positions.
• She had a breakdown after the stress of the work project became too much to handle.
• The breakdown of the data showed some surprising trends in consumer behavior.
• During the breakdown of communication, misunderstandings began to arise among team members.

How to use Breakdown

Use 'breakdown' when talking about mechanical failures or emotional collapse. It’s appropriate in both technical and everyday contexts. Avoid using it in formal writing about unrelated topics.

Grammar pattern

breakdown + object

Memory hint

Think of a car that breaks down – it's a total breakdown!

Related words

Collocations with Breakdown

• mechanical
• occur
• service
• truck
• vehicle
• serious
• complete
• irretrievable
• cause
• lead to
• prevent
• breakdown in
• breakdown of
• detailed
• full
• cost
• prepare
• give somebody
• provide (somebody with)
• breakdown by
• breakdown of
• emotional
• mental
• nervous
• have
• suffer
• the brink of a nervous breakdown
• the edge of a nervous breakdown
• the verge of a nervous breakdown

Synonyms for Breakdown

• collapse
• failure
• malfunction
• crash
• break

Opposites of Breakdown

• repair
• fix
• solution

Common mistakes with Breakdown

• Using 'breakdown' instead of 'break down' as a verb phrase.
• Confusing 'breakdown' with 'breakthrough', which has a very different meaning.
• Using 'breakdown' in contexts where a different term, like 'failure', is more specific.

Frequently asked questions about Breakdown

What does Breakdown mean?

A failure or collapse of something, like a machine or system.

What is the definition of Breakdown?

an occasion when a vehicle or machine stops working

How do you use Breakdown in a sentence?

The breakdown of the car left us stranded on the highway.

Can you give another example of Breakdown?

After the breakdown of negotiations, both parties returned to their original positions.

What are synonyms for Breakdown?

Common alternatives include collapse, failure, malfunction, crash, break.

What is the opposite of Breakdown?

Opposite meanings include repair, fix, solution.

What words go with Breakdown?

It commonly pairs with mechanical, occur, service, truck, vehicle, serious, complete, irretrievable, cause, lead to, prevent, breakdown in, breakdown of, detailed, full, cost, prepare, give somebody, provide (somebody with), breakdown by, breakdown of, emotional, mental, nervous, have, suffer, the brink of a nervous breakdown, the edge of a nervous breakdown, the verge of a nervous breakdown.

What are common mistakes when using Breakdown?

Using 'breakdown' instead of 'break down' as a verb phrase. Confusing 'breakdown' with 'breakthrough', which has a very different meaning. Using 'breakdown' in contexts where a different term, like 'failure', is more specific.

How do you pronounce Breakdown?

US: /["/ˈbreɪkdaʊn/"]/, UK: /["/ˈbreɪkdaʊn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Breakdown?

Use 'breakdown' when talking about mechanical failures or emotional collapse. It’s appropriate in both technical and everyday contexts. Avoid using it in formal writing about unrelated topics.

What CEFR level is Breakdown?

"Breakdown" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.