Breakdowns: meaning, definitions and examples

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breakdowns

[ˈbreɪkdaʊnz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

financial

A breakdown refers to a detailed list or itemization of the components or elements of something, such as expenses, costs, or resources.

Synonyms

analysis, detailed list, itemization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breakdowns	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.
analysis	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.
itemization	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.
detailed list	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.

Examples of usage

The accountant provided a breakdown of the company's expenses for the month.
Can you give me a breakdown of the project budget?

^{Context #2 | Noun}

emotional

A breakdown can also refer to a collapse in mental or emotional health, often resulting in extreme stress or anxiety.

Synonyms

crisis, emotional collapse, meltdown.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breakdowns	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.
meltdown	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.
crisis	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.
emotional collapse	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.

Examples of usage

She had a breakdown after the loss of her job.
The pressure of the situation led to a breakdown in his mental state.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

mechanical

As a verb, to breakdown means to stop working or functioning due to a mechanical failure.

Synonyms

fail, malfunction, stop working.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breakdowns	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
malfunction	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
fail	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
stop working	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

Examples of usage

The car broke down on the highway.
If the machine continues to breakdown, we'll need a replacement.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Breakdowns can be a response to extreme stress, pushing a person beyond their capacity to cope.
Symptoms might include anxiety, sadness, and physical exhaustion, often needing support and time to heal.
Therapeutic methods, like talking to someone or practicing mindfulness, can help people recover.

Literature

Many characters in literature experience breakdowns, symbolizing profound change or awakening.
Authors often use these moments to explore the depths of human emotion, making stories more relatable.
Notable works, like 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath, depict breakdowns as crucial points for character development.

Cultural Perspective

Different cultures have varying views on emotional breakdowns, with some seeing them as taboo and others as a natural part of life.
Support systems and stigma differ worldwide, impacting how individuals seek help during tough times.
In some cultures, expressions of emotion are more accepted, facilitating conversations about mental health.

Media Representation

Films and TV shows often portray breakdowns, making them significant plot points that resonate with audiences.
Characters experiencing such moments can evoke empathy and discussion about mental health and wellness.
Shows like 'BoJack Horseman' candidly tackle various types of breakdowns, blending humor with serious themes.

History

The term 'breakdown' has evolved from its original mechanical meaning, applying to both machines and emotional states in modern language.
Historically, societal views on mental illness have shifted, illustrating increased awareness of breakdowns as serious health issues.
In the late 20th century, mental health movements began advocating for greater understanding and treatment of emotional breakdowns.

Translations

Translations of the word "breakdowns" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quebras

avarias
colapsos

🇮🇳 विवरण

टूट-फूट
विफलताएँ

🇩🇪 Ausfälle

Zusammenbrüche
Pannen

🇮🇩 kerusakan

gangguan
runtuh

🇺🇦 поломки

збої
аварії

🇵🇱 awarie

załamania
rozbicie

🇯🇵 故障 (koshō)

崩壊 (hōkai)
分解 (bunkai)

🇫🇷 pannes

défaillances
effondrements

🇪🇸 averías

desgloses
colapsos

🇹🇷 arızalar

çökmeler
bozulmalar

🇰🇷 고장 (gojang)

붕괴 (bunggoe)
분해 (bunhae)

🇸🇦 أعطال

انهيارات
تفصيلات

🇨🇿 poruchy

zhroucení
selhání

🇸🇰 poruchy

kolapsy
zlyhania

🇨🇳 故障 (gùzhàng)

崩溃 (bēngkuì)
分解 (fēnjiě)

🇸🇮 okvare

zlomi
razpadi

🇮🇸 bilun

hrun
sundurliðanir

🇰🇿 ақаулар

күйреулер
бөлшектеулер

🇬🇪 დარღვევები

კოლაფსი
დაშლა

🇦🇿 qırılmalar

çökmələr
dağılmalar

🇲🇽 averías

desgloses
colapsos