Word
breakaway
Phoneticsbreak·away
US/ˈbɹeɪkəˌweɪ/
UK/bɹˈeɪkəwˌeɪ/
Countable noun Politics
Definition
n. the act of leaving a group or organization to start something new and independent. You use this when a smaller group decides they no longer want to be part of the main one.
n. the act of separating from a larger group, organization, or political entity to form an independent unit. Often used to describe political factions, sports leagues, or religious groups.
Examples
“The small group formed a breakaway party after the election.”
“Several clubs threatened to form a breakaway league if their demands for more revenue were not met by the national association.”
“The region's breakaway movement gained significant momentum following the collapse of the central government, leading to a decade of diplomatic tension regarding its unrecognized sovereignty.”
Examples
simple
“The small group formed a breakaway party after the election.”
contextual
“Several clubs threatened to form a breakaway league if their demands for more revenue were not met by the national association.”
complex
“The region's breakaway movement gained significant momentum following the collapse of the central government, leading to a decade of diplomatic tension regarding its unrecognized sovereignty.”
Usage
Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'breakaway group' or 'breakaway region'.
Real-World Examples
“InStyle magazine recommends dramatic, dark red vampy lips , external as a breakaway from summer-friendly pinks and peaches.” “Then came a breakaway and a shot across the face of goal which once again challenged Jamaica’s keeper.” Etymology
From break + away, a deverbal from break away.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/breakaway