Breakdowns: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is appropriate when you need to describe the division of something complex into simpler parts, often used in project management, finance, or any situation where organizational clarity is needed.

• We need a detailed breakdown of the project costs.
• The breakdown of the data points helped us identify the issue.

This term is generally used in academic, professional, and technical contexts where you need to study or examine something in detail to understand it better.

• The market analysis showed a promising trend in sales.
• Her analysis of the novel provided new insights into the author's intentions.

This term is used mainly in financial or business contexts to specify the listing of individual items, particularly for accounting, billing, or inventory purposes.

• The itemization of expenses was necessary for the audit.
• An itemization of the invoice showed several unexpected charges.

Use this term when you need to specify a comprehensive and thorough enumeration of items, often in contexts like planning, inventories, or reporting.

• She handed me a detailed list of tasks to be completed by the end of the week.
• The detailed list of ingredients made it easy to follow the recipe.

Typically used to describe mechanical or technical failures, but can also refer to a person's inability to function normally due to stress or pressure.

• We had several breakdowns in our system last week.
• He’s been under so much pressure lately that he finally had a breakdown.

Informally used to describe an emotional outburst or extreme reaction. Often implies a loss of control and may be used in both serious and casual contexts.

• The toddler had a meltdown in the supermarket.
• After the meeting, he had a complete meltdown.

Generally used to describe a significant and often sudden situation that requires immediate attention, be it financial, political, or personal.

• The company is facing a financial crisis.
• She experienced a mid-life crisis and decided to change her career.

Utilized when referring to a severe emotional state where someone cannot continue to function normally due to overwhelming emotions. Often implies a need for psychological support.

• After hearing the sad news, he went through an emotional collapse.
• She had an emotional collapse after months of relentless stress.

Use when referring to situations where machines, systems, or processes stop functioning entirely, often unexpectedly. Often used in technical, mechanical, or emotional contexts.

• The car suffered several breakdowns on the way to the meeting
• Her emotional breakdown was a result of the continuous stress at work

Use when referring to devices or systems that are not operating as intended, usually implying a technical problem. Often used in scientific, engineering, or technological contexts.

• The computer started to malfunction after the software update
• A malfunction in the control system caused the accident

Use when something does not succeed in achieving its goal or stops functioning properly. Often applied to exams, machines, plans, or systems.

• The plan failed due to lack of funding
• The engine will fail if it's not properly maintained

Use in a general sense when something ceases to operate. Suitable for casual or layman's terms when discussing a wide range of objects or systems.

• My phone stopped working all of a sudden
• The heater stopped working during the winter