breakdown
Breakdown (noun) means a failure, especially of a machine or vehicle. Example: “The bus broke down twice on the way to the airport.”
How to Use Breakdown
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA collapse (mechanical or personal) or, separately, an itemized analysis.
Word Forms
breakdowns plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The stress of the divorce led to a complete _____.
Etymology
A deverbal noun from the phrasal verb break down.
Synonyms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does “breakdown” mean?
The word “breakdown” means a failure, especially of a machine or vehicle. In plain terms, a collapse (mechanical or personal) or, separately, an itemized analysis.
How do you pronounce “breakdown”?
“Breakdown” is pronounced BRAYK-down (/ˈbɹeɪkˌdaʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “breakdown” in a sentence?
Here is “breakdown” used in a sentence: “The stress of the divorce led to a complete breakdown.”
What part of speech is “breakdown”?
“Breakdown” is a noun.
Is “breakdown” a common word?
“Breakdown” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “breakdown” have?
“Breakdown” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a failure, especially of a machine or vehicle.
What is the difference between 'breakdown' and 'break down'?
'Breakdown' written as one word is a noun, as in 'the car had a breakdown'. 'Break down' as two words is a verb, as in 'the car broke down'. Use the single word for the thing and the two words for the action.
What is the difference between a 'breakdown' and a 'collapse'?
A 'breakdown' is a failure of something such as a machine, or a decline in someone's health that stops normal functioning. A 'collapse' suggests a sudden and complete falling apart. A breakdown can be gradual, whereas a collapse is usually abrupt and total.
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