breakdown
BRAK-down
/ˈbreɪkdaʊn/
A mechanical failure or a cessation of normal functioning; a collapse of mental or physical health.
Primarily refers to the complete failure of a machine or system, rendering it inoperable. Can also refer to a mental or emotional collapse.
The story behind the word. The word 'breakdown' is a compound word, quite literally combining 'break' and 'down'. Its meaning as a 'failure of machinery' or 'collapse of health' emerged in the mid-19th century. The image is straightforward: something that was once whole and functioning has 'broken down' into a state of disrepair or collapse. It's a vivid and direct description of failure.
Word relationships
- failure: More general; 'breakdown' specifically implies a cessation of function due to mechanical or systemic issues.
- collapse: Can be used interchangeably for systems, but 'collapse' often implies a more sudden or dramatic failure.
- malfunction: A 'malfunction' is working incorrectly; a 'breakdown' is a complete stop.
- operation: The state of being in working order.
- repair: The act of fixing something that is broken.
Commonly confused with
- malfunction: A 'breakdown' means the system has stopped working entirely. A 'malfunction' means it's working, but incorrectly or inefficiently.
- crash: A 'crash' is typically a sudden, abrupt failure, often of software. A 'breakdown' is a more general term for mechanical or system failure, which can be sudden or gradual.
Collocations
- mechanical breakdown
- nervous breakdown
- system breakdown
- complete breakdown
- suffer a breakdown
Example sentences
- "Our car suffered a complete breakdown on the highway, leaving us stranded for hours." Describing a vehicle failure.
- "The unexpected breakdown of the factory's main conveyor belt halted production for the entire day." Referring to a system failure.
- "After weeks of intense stress, she experienced a nervous breakdown and needed time away from work." A personal crisis.
Memory hook
When a machine has a 'BREAKDOWN', it literally 'BREAKS' and goes 'DOWN' (stops working). BREAKDOWN = breaks and stops
When not to use
Do not use 'breakdown' for minor, temporary issues like a 'glitch' or 'lag'. It implies a more significant, often physical, failure.
Fun facts
- The term 'nervous breakdown' became common in the 19th century to describe a period of intense mental distress or illness.
- In some contexts, 'breakdown' can also refer to an analysis or detailed classification of something, as in 'a breakdown of costs'.
Related words
Explore more words
break down, ruin, downtime, disconnect, degradation, burnout
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