Definition of breakdown
1 : the action or result of breaking down: such asa : a failure to function preventing a breakdown of the health-care systemb : failure to progress or have effect : disintegration a breakdown of negotiationsc medicine : a complete loss of physical, mental, or emotional vitality : a physical, mental, or nervous collapsed : the process of decomposing the breakdown of water into hydrogen and oxygen cellular breakdowne : division into categories a statistical breakdown of data : classification; also : an account analyzed into categories a budget breakdown
2 : a fast shuffling dance; also : music for such a dance
From the M-W Editors
Examples of breakdown in a Sentence
The factory has had frequent equipment breakdowns.
Both sides are to blame for the breakdown in communication.
The irretrievable breakdown of a marriage can be grounds for divorce.
trying to prevent a breakdown of the health-care system
trying to prevent breakdown of the health-care system
He suffered a breakdown after his wife died.
Recent Examples of breakdown from the Web
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A sluggish offensive attack plus a couple of defensive breakdowns equaled the end of FC Kansas City’s four-game unbeaten streak on Saturday in Cary, N.C.
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Jonah takes pity on the stranger, who spiels on about the perils of the imminent technological breakdown posed by Y2K — the film is set in 1999 — and then, with Jonah, hatches a plan for a series of robberies.
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Sara Fisher Here’s a breakdown on the latest animal kingdom activities: Da bear The biggest news from the call of the wild lately has been a black bear.
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Here's a breakdown of the SEC's Hall of Famers by school, including players and coaches.
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While Scripps is celebrating correct spelling this week, Google also released its own breakdown of Americans' take on everyday words.
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Ballmer is planning to add state and city breakdowns so users can see things such as their local crime rates or education spending in their area — that will come in one of the next major updates.
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The breakdown, which also affected call centers, prevented passengers from rebooking or from retrieving luggage that had already been loaded onto their planes.
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Watch it here, then read a full breakdown of every scene below: David (Hugh Grant) recreates his iconic dance scene.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'breakdown'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of breakdown
1827
Other Psychology Terms
BREAKDOWN Defined for English Language Learners
breakdown
playDefinition of breakdown for English Language Learners
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: a failure of a machine to function : an occurrence in which a machine (such as a car) stops working
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: the failure of a relationship or of an effort to discuss something
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: a failure that prevents a system from working properly
BREAKDOWN Defined for Kids
breakdown
playDefinition of breakdown for Students
1 : a failure to function properly
2 : a sudden failure of mental or physical health
Medical Dictionary
breakdown
Medical Definition of breakdown
: obtained or resulting from disintegration or decomposition of a substance a breakdown product of purine
Learn More about breakdown
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See words that rhyme with breakdown Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for breakdown Spanish Central: Translation of breakdown Nglish: Translation of breakdown for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of breakdown for Arabic speakers
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