breakdown
The car had a breakdown on the highway.
The car stopped working unexpectedly.
a failure or collapse of a system, machine, or relationship
The marriage ended in a breakdown of communication.
The couple stopped talking effectively, leading to the end of their relationship.
The server experienced a breakdown during peak hours.
The server stopped functioning properly when it was most needed.
Can refer to mechanical, emotional, or systemic failures.
a detailed analysis or summary of something
The report provided a breakdown of the company's expenses.
The report listed and explained the company's spending in detail.
Often used in financial or analytical contexts.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'breakdown' depends heavily on context—mechanical, emotional, or analytical.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
Use 'breakdown' for failures (mechanical or emotional) or detailed analyses.
Word Origin
From 'break' (to separate) + 'down' (direction), originally referring to dismantling or failure.
Usage Notes
Can be used literally (mechanical failure) or figuratively (relationship collapse).