Rundown Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rundown

[ˈrʌnˌdaʊn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

summary information

A rundown is a summary or a brief overview of events, activities, or information. It can refer to a concise report on the status of a project or situation. In business and media, a rundown is often used to outline key points or topics in a meeting, presentation, or newscast. It helps to convey essential details without delving into extensive explanations. Overall, a rundown serves as a handy reference guide for understanding the main aspects of a particular subject.

Synonyms

briefing, digest, overview, recap, summary.

Examples of usage

  • I need a quick rundown of the project's progress.
  • The news anchor provided a rundown of today's headlines.
  • Can you give me a rundown on the meeting yesterday?
  • The teacher offered a rundown of the lesson plan.
Context #2 | Verb

to summarize

To rundown means to summarize information or to provide a brief report on certain topics. It involves distilling complex information into its essential points for easy understanding. This term can also imply discussing the main elements of a situation or event in order to inform others. Rundown can be useful in various contexts, including business, education, and media communications.

Synonyms

brief, inform, outline, recap, summarize.

Examples of usage

  • Let's rundown the meeting agenda before we start.
  • She will rundown the main issues raised in the debate.
  • The manager asked me to rundown the quarterly results.
  • Can you rundown the key takeaways from the conference?

Translations

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

Origin of 'rundown'

The term 'rundown' originated in the early 20th century, primarily within American English. It is derived from the combination of 'run,' which means to perform or execute, and the word 'down,' indicating a downward motion or simplification process. Initially, the word was used colloquially to refer to the act of running down a list or series of items, thus providing an organized overview. Over the years, 'rundown' has evolved in its application, particularly in business and media contexts where it now commonly denotes a briefing or written summary. It's also worth noting that 'rundown' carries connotations of being in a state of decline or disrepair when referring to physical objects, a meaning that has developed alongside the more informational usage. Today, the concept of a 'rundown' is versatile and is frequently utilized in various industries to facilitate clear communication and understanding.