breakdown
12 synonyms for breakdown, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A failure, especially of a machine or vehicle.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use breakdown
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
nervous breakdown
cost breakdown
mechanical breakdown
Etymology
A deverbal noun from the phrasal verb break down.
Full origin of breakdown →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.
