a breakdown

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A failure of a machine, system, or relationship to work properly.

   Grammar: Often used with 'have' or 'cause': 'The car had a breakdown.'

   Patterns

   • a breakdown of something
   • have a breakdown
   • cause a breakdown

   We had a breakdown on the highway and had to call for help.

   The breakdown of the negotiations led to more strikes.

   A power breakdown left the whole neighborhood in the dark.

2. 2nouncountable

   A serious mental or physical collapse, often from stress or overwork.

   Grammar: Often used with 'have' or 'suffer': 'She had a breakdown after working too hard.'

   Patterns

   • have a breakdown
   • suffer a breakdown
   • a nervous breakdown

   He had a breakdown and took a month off work.

   The stress of the job caused her to have a breakdown.

   After the accident, she suffered a breakdown and needed therapy.

3. 3nouncountable

   A detailed list or analysis of the parts of something.

   Grammar: Usually followed by 'of': 'a breakdown of the costs'.

   Patterns

   • a breakdown of something
   • give a breakdown
   • a detailed breakdown

   The report includes a breakdown of all the expenses.

   Can you give me a breakdown of the sales figures by region?

   She asked for a breakdown of the test results.

Word forms

Common combinations

nervous breakdown

He had a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized.

breakdown of communication

The breakdown of communication between the two sides made things worse.

breakdown of costs

Please provide a breakdown of costs before we sign the contract.

breakdown truck

The breakdown truck arrived to tow the car.

Synonyms and how they differ

failure

Failure is a general word for something not working; a breakdown is a sudden, often complete failure, especially of a machine or system.

collapse

Collapse suggests a total falling apart; a breakdown can be partial or temporary.

Word family

break down phrasal verb

To stop working or to lose control emotionally: 'The car broke down.'

Commonly confused: a breakdown or break up?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a breakdown”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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