Word
breakdown
Phoneticsbreak·down, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɹeɪkˌdaʊn/
UK/bɹˈeɪkdaʊn/
Definitions
01mechanical failure
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a situation where a vehicle or machine stops working.
n. a mechanical failure, typically involving a motor vehicle or industrial machinery, that prevents continued operation.
“The heavy rain caused a breakdown of the heating system in the office.”
“The frequent mechanical breakdowns of the aging fleet have led to significant delays in the city's public transport schedule.”
Synonyms
02detailed analysis
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a list of all the separate parts of something, like a bill or a report.
n. the division of a total into its constituent parts for the purpose of detailed analysis or explanation.
“Can you give me a breakdown of the costs for the kitchen renovation?”
“The financial report provides a comprehensive breakdown of expenditure across all regional departments for the final fiscal quarter.”
Synonyms
03mental health collapse
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Medicine
n. a period of mental illness that makes it impossible to live your life normally.
n. a period of acute mental distress or psychological collapse that renders an individual unable to function in daily life.
“He suffered a nervous breakdown after working too many hours for months.”
“The intense pressure of the executive role eventually led to a complete physical and mental breakdown, requiring several months of clinical recovery.”
04failure of a system
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. when a relationship, a talk, or a system stops working or fails.
n. the collapse or failure of a relationship, process, or social structure.
“The breakdown of communication between the two countries led to a trade war.”
“Sociologists are studying the breakdown of traditional family structures in rapidly urbanizing environments.”
Synonyms
05musical section
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Music Technical
n. a part of a song where the music changes, often becoming simpler or heavier.
n. a section of a musical composition characterized by a reduction in instrumentation or a shift to a heavy, rhythmic focus.
“The crowd started dancing wildly during the heavy breakdown in the middle of the song.”
“The track features a sophisticated breakdown where the percussion takes center stage, stripping away the melodic layers to emphasize the rhythmic complexity.”
06chemical decomposition
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the process of a substance rotting or breaking into smaller parts.
n. the chemical or biological decomposition of a substance into its constituent elements.
“Bacteria help with the breakdown of organic waste in the soil.”
“The enzyme is responsible for the rapid breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars during the digestive process.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “breakdown” in context.
Verb
01. lead to a breakdown
“A lack of communication between the two departments eventually led to a breakdown in negotiations.”
verb + prep + noun
02. provide a breakdown
“The contractor will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs for the renovation project.”
verb + noun
03. suffer a breakdown
“After months of working eighty-hour weeks, he finally suffered a complete nervous breakdown.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. mechanical breakdown
“The flight was delayed for several hours due to a sudden mechanical breakdown in the engine.”
adj + noun
05. statistical breakdown
“The report includes a statistical breakdown of the population by age and income level.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. breakdown of communication
“The strike was caused by a total breakdown of communication between the union and management.”
noun + of + noun
07. breakdown of costs
“Could you send me a full breakdown of costs before we sign the final agreement?”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
08. after the breakdown
“The company struggled to regain its market share after the breakdown of the merger talks.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“Scientists say climate breakdown is causing more frequent and more extreme weather events, evaporating soils and waterways, fuelling wildfires and leading to thousands of excess deaths in France.” “Government figures also provide a regional breakdown of the number of prisoners released into homelessness.” “It might begin as something which gives you a break from other issues in your life, says Hall, such as a stressful career or relationship breakdown.” “Returning to England, he vanished from public view, suffering a drug-induced nervous breakdown that led to him being sectioned.” Etymology
Deverbal from break down.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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