breakdown

break-down · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A mechanical or system failure.

  2. 2.

    A failure of a relationship, plan, or negotiation.

  3. 3.

    A physical or mental collapse due to stress or illness.

  4. 4.

    A detailed analysis or classification of something.

  5. 5.

    A decomposition of a substance into simpler components.

Forms

plural: breakdowns

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    nervous breakdown — a period of mental illness resulting from stress
  • •
    breakdown in communication — failure to communicate effectively
  • •
    cost breakdown — itemized list of expenses

Related words

Antonyms: recovery, repair, synthesis
See also: analysis, break, collapse, failure
Synonyms: analysis, collapse, failure, malfunction

Etymology

Compound word formed from "break" and "down," first recorded in the early 19th century. Originally referred to a mechanical failure, later extended to mental and analytical contexts.