Breakdown Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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breakdown

[ˈbreɪkdaʊn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

financial

A breakdown refers to a detailed summary or analysis, especially of financial information.

Synonyms

analysis, examination, summary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breakdown	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.
analysis	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.
summary	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.
examination	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.

Examples of usage

The accountant provided a breakdown of the company's expenses for the quarter.
Can you give me a breakdown of the costs involved in this project?

^{Context #2 | Noun}

mechanical

A breakdown can also refer to a mechanical failure, especially of a machine or vehicle.

Synonyms

crash, failure, malfunction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breakdown	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.
failure	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.
malfunction	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.
crash	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.

Examples of usage

The car experienced a breakdown on the highway.
The factory had to stop production due to a breakdown in one of the machines.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

mental health

As a verb, breakdown means to collapse mentally or emotionally.

Synonyms

break, collapse, crumble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breakdown	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
collapse	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
crumble	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
break	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

Examples of usage

The stress of the situation caused him to breakdown and cry.
She felt like she was going to breakdown under the pressure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People can experience a breakdown due to extreme stress, often from work or personal life challenges.
Mental breakdowns can manifest as panic attacks, depression, and a feeling of being unable to cope.
Recognizing the signs of a breakdown may help in seeking support before it escalates.

Health

Chronic stress can lead to physical health issues, like high blood pressure and heart problems.
Taking regular breaks and practicing self-care can reduce the risk of mental breakdowns.
Therapists often recommend healthy coping strategies, like exercise and mindfulness, to prevent breakdowns.

Literature

In literature, characters often have breakdowns, providing depth to their struggles and allowing exploration of human emotions.
Books and films that depict breakdowns can resonate with audiences, offering reflection on their own experiences.
Famous literary figures, such as Hamlet, exhibit emotional breakdowns that impact their decisions and the plot.

Pop Culture

Many songs explore themes of breakdown, illustrating emotional turmoil and the journey toward healing.
Films often depict breakdowns as pivotal moments that lead to personal growth or change in character arcs.
Reality TV shows frequently touch on breakdowns, showcasing the pressure of public life and personal struggles.

History

Throughout history, many notable leaders, like Winston Churchill, faced moments of severe breakdown due to immense pressure.
The concept of burnout was first identified in the 1970s and emphasized the impact of occupational stress on mental health.
Understanding mental breakdowns has evolved, with increasing recognition of the importance of mental health care across societies.

Origin of 'breakdown'

The word 'breakdown' originated in the mid-17th century, combining 'break' with 'down'. It has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings, from financial analysis to mechanical failures and mental collapses. The versatility of 'breakdown' reflects the complexities of modern life and the various ways things can fall apart.