breakdown
breakdown Lexical Profile
breakdown Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A mechanical failure or sudden cessation of function in a vehicle, machine, or operational system.
"A sudden engine breakdown left the delivery truck stranded on the highway for several hours."
A severe failure or disruption of a relationship, communication, or social system.
"The prolonged strike was caused by a complete breakdown in negotiations between management and the labor union."
A detailed analysis, classification, or itemization of data, costs, or information into component parts.
"The financial director requested a full breakdown of the quarterly marketing expenses before approving the budget."
A sudden, acute collapse of mental, emotional, or physical health, often resulting in an inability to function normally.
"After working eighty hours a week for months without a break, he suffered a severe nervous breakdown."
The chemical or biological decomposition of a substance into simpler compounds.
"Digestive enzymes accelerate the breakdown of complex proteins into amino acids."
Word Nuance & Usage
The closed compound "breakdown" is a noun (e.g., "a mechanical breakdown"), whereas the open two-word form "break down" is the phrasal verb (e.g., "the car may break down").