Breakdown: meaning, definitions and examples

When detailed information is divided into simpler parts or categories. Often used in technical or financial contexts.

• Can you give me a breakdown of the project costs?
• The report provides a breakdown of job responsibilities.

Used when examining something in detail to understand it better or to find out essential factors. Often used in scientific, business, or technical contexts.

• The scientist conducted an analysis of the soil samples.
• We need a market analysis before launching the new product.

Used when giving a brief statement or account of the main points of something. Often used in reports, articles, and presentations.

• He provided a summary of the meeting's discussions.
• The book ends with a summary of the main ideas.

Used in contexts where a thorough investigation or inspection is carried out. Often related to academic tests or physical check-ups.

• The doctor's examination revealed no serious issues.
• She passed the final examination with flying colors.

This term is often used to describe a situation where something stops working entirely, especially when referring to machinery or systems, and can imply a need for repair. It can also refer to emotional or mental states, signifying a moment of severe stress or failure.

• The car had a breakdown on the highway, and we had to call for a tow truck.
• She had a breakdown after hearing the bad news and needed some time alone.

A more general term that indicates something did not perform as expected or meet desired outcomes. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including machinery, projects, and even personal efforts.

• The experiment ended in failure, leading the team to reevaluate their approach.
• The bridge's failure was attributed to poor construction materials.

Often used to describe a situation where something is functioning incorrectly or suboptimally, rather than completely failing. It usually implies that the issue is specific and possibly repairable.

• The printer's malfunction prevented us from printing the report on time.
• The plane experienced an engine malfunction but landed safely.

Typically used when talking about sudden and complete failures, often with a sense of abruptness or violence. This word is common in discussions of computer systems or vehicles. It conveys a more immediate and destructive failure compared to the other terms.

• There was a severe crash due to a software bug that shut down the entire network.
• The stock market crash caused panic among investors.

This word is often used to describe a failure in machinery, a mental health crisis, or a detailed analysis of data or systems.

• The car had a breakdown on the highway
• After years of stress, she experienced a mental breakdown
• Please provide a breakdown of the budget

Commonly used for sudden failure or falling down, especially in physical structures, health, or organizations.

• The old building could collapse at any moment
• After running the marathon, he nearly collapsed from exhaustion
• The business faced financial collapse

Typically used to describe something decaying or breaking into small pieces over time; often used for physical objects, but can also describe organizations or confidence.

• The ancient ruins began to crumble
• Over time, her confidence crumbled
• The neglected cake started to crumble as I cut into it

This word is versatile and can be used to describe physically damaging something, taking a rest, or an interruption in pattern or action.

• She managed to break the vase
• We can take a short break now
• The clouds began to break, letting sunlight through