bust

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a woman's chest or the measurement around it.

n. the chest of a human, specifically a woman's breasts or the measurement around them.

“She measured her bust to make sure the new dress would fit perfectly.”

“The tailor noted the bust and waist measurements before beginning the alterations on the evening gown.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law Informal

n. an occasion when the police catch someone doing something illegal or raid a place.

n. a police raid or the act of taking someone into custody for criminal activity.

“The police made a huge drug bust at the warehouse last night.”

“Following a six-month undercover investigation, the authorities executed a coordinated bust that dismantled the regional smuggling ring.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Economics

n. a period of time when an economy or business fails and people lose money.

n. the downward phase of an economic cycle, characterized by a sudden decline in value or activity.

“After the housing boom ended, many investors lost everything in the bust.”

“Economists warned that the rapid inflation in tech stocks would inevitably lead to a market bust.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Slang

n. something that is a complete failure or a big disappointment.

n. a person or project that fails to meet expectations or proves to be unsuccessful.

“The new restaurant was a total bust and closed after only three months.”

“Despite being a top draft pick, the player was eventually labeled a bust after failing to score a single goal all season.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to break something, especially so that it cannot be used anymore.

v. to break, smash, or damage something so that it no longer functions.

“I think I bust my phone when I dropped it on the sidewalk.”

“He managed to bust the lock on the old trunk after struggling with the rusted key for nearly an hour.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to catch someone doing something they are not supposed to do.

v. to catch someone in the act of committing a crime or a social indiscretion.

“The teacher bust him trying to look at his notes during the test.”

“She was bust by her parents while trying to sneak out of the house through the bedroom window.”

C1 · Advanced Informal · Slang

adj. having no money left; bankrupt.

adj. lacking financial resources; completely broke or bankrupt.

“After paying all his bills this month, he is completely bust.”

“The company went bust after the main investors withdrew their support during the financial crisis.”