breakdown

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈbreɪkdaʊn/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: break‧down

Noun

Singular breakdown

Plural breakdowns

1. (countable) A breakdown is when something has failed, usually having to do with a machine of some sort.

   The car they were driving had a breakdown when the engine stopped working.

2. (countable) A breakdown is when someone's state of mind has fallen apart or lapsed.
3. (countable) A breakdown of something is a list or a breaking up of something into categories in great detail.

Related words

• nervous breakdown

Related words

• break down