C1noun2K

Breakdown

UK /["/ˈbreɪkdaʊn/"]/US /["/ˈbreɪkdaʊn/"]/

Definition

an occasion when a vehicle or machine stops working

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

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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!

Collocations

  • 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

  • collapse
  • failure
  • malfunction
  • crash
  • break

Antonyms

  • repair
  • fix
  • solution

Common mistakes

  • 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.