breakdown
BRAYK-down
/ˈbreɪkdaʊn/
A mechanical failure of a vehicle or machine that prevents it from working.
Refers to the event of mechanical failure itself, rather than the state of the vehicle afterward.
The story behind the word. A literal combination of the Germanic verbs 'break' and 'down,' which began appearing as a compound noun in the late 19th century to describe the sudden mechanical collapse of steam engines and railway locomotives.
Word relationships
- malfunction: Malfunction refers to a specific part failing to work correctly, while breakdown implies the entire system or vehicle has stopped.
- failure: Failure is a broader term that can apply to systems, plans, or machines, whereas breakdown is highly associated with mechanical transport.
- repair: A repair is the act of fixing, which is the opposite of a breakdown.
Commonly confused with
- accident: An accident involves a collision or physical impact, whereas a breakdown is purely mechanical or electrical failure.
Word family
- break down (verb): To stop working mechanically.
Collocations
- mechanical breakdown
- engine breakdown
- breakdown service
Example sentences
- "The sudden breakdown of the commuter train caused massive delays during rush hour." A typical commuter frustration.
Memory hook
When a car breaks, it goes down and stops moving. Break and fall down.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a 'nervous breakdown' (emotional collapse) or a 'breakdown of costs' (detailed analysis).
Fun facts
- The earliest recorded uses of 'breakdown' in the 1830s referred to a noisy, rapid dance style before it became associated with steam engines.
Explore more words
break down, ruin, downtime, disconnect, degradation, burnout
Also appears in
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