Breakdown

/ˈbreɪkˌdaʊn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a failure to function or continue; a collapse or interruption in a system or process.

The software experienced a breakdown, causing a halt in all operations.

a detailed analysis or segregation of information into components.

The report provided a breakdown of the budget by department.

a mental or physical collapse, often due to stress or overwhelming circumstances.

After months of pressure, he finally had a breakdown and needed to seek help.

verb

to cause to fall or collapse; to fail.

The constant pressure at work can break down even the most resilient employees.

to analyze or separate into smaller parts for better understanding.

In the meeting, she broke down the complex project into manageable tasks.

From break + down, referring to decomposition or disintegration.

mental breakdown

A state of emotional or mental collapse.

breakdown lane

A designated area on a highway for vehicles that experience trouble.

breakdown service

A service that assists with vehicle breakdowns.

break

To separate into parts or to stop functioning.

down

In a lower position or state.

A serious emotional crisis.

He had a total breakdown after the breakup.

An official failure of a system or plan.

The whole operation was a breakdown from start to finish.