Brownout: meaning, definitions and examples

When there is a temporary reduction in the voltage of electricity which causes lights to dim but not go out completely.

• The lights flickered during the brownout but didn’t go out entirely.
• We experience frequent brownouts during the summer due to high electricity demand.

General term for any interruption in electrical power, whether it is partial (brownout) or complete (blackout).

• There was a power outage that lasted for two hours.
• Due to a power outage, many businesses had to close early.

When there is a complete loss of electrical power in an area.

• The entire city experienced a blackout after the storm.
• We had to use candles during the blackout last night.

Used primarily in an electrical or technical context to describe a partial drop in voltage in an electrical power supply, which can cause lights to dim and electronic devices to malfunction.

• During the heatwave, the city experienced several brownouts, causing issues with the air conditioning
• The brownout lasted for a few minutes, but it disrupted the meeting

Describes a temporary failure to remember something, often used in personal situations, such as forgetting a name, an appointment, or where something was placed.

• I had a memory lapse and forgot where I parked my car
• There was a brief memory lapse when she couldn't recall the name of her colleague

Used when someone is unsure or unclear about something, often in social, educational, or professional situations. This word can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of understanding or clarity.

• There was some confusion about the meeting time, so half the team arrived an hour early
• The instructions were unclear, leading to widespread confusion among the students