BREAKDOWN

Definition of BREAKDOWN

BREAKDOWN Noun

Breakdown is a noun that refers to a failure or disruption in a system, process, or condition. It can also describe a detailed analysis or a physical collapse, depending on the context.

As a Noun (Failure or Disruption): As a noun, breakdown describes a situation where something ceases to function properly. For example, “The car had a breakdown on the highway” means that the car stopped working due to a malfunction.

As a Noun (Detailed Analysis): Breakdown can also refer to a detailed analysis or division of complex information into simpler parts. For instance, “The financial report included a breakdown of expenses by category” means that the report detailed the different types of expenses in a comprehensive manner.

As a Noun (Physical or Emotional Collapse): Breakdown may refer to a state of physical or emotional collapse. For example, “She experienced a nervous breakdown due to work stress” indicates a severe mental health crisis caused by excessive stress.

Examples in Language: In language, breakdown is used to describe various forms of failure, analysis, or collapse. For example, “The breakdown of communication led to misunderstandings” means that the failure in communication caused problems.

Contextual Uses: Breakdown can be applied in various contexts, including: Mechanical Failure: Referring to equipment or vehicles that stop functioning. Data Analysis: Describing a detailed examination or division of complex data. Mental Health: Indicating a state of severe emotional or psychological distress.

Characteristics of Breakdown: Failure or Disruption: Represents a situation where normal functioning is impaired. Detailed Analysis: Includes the division of information into simpler components. Collapse: Refers to a state of severe physical or emotional distress.

Implementing the Concept of Breakdown: Maintenance and Repair: Using the concept of breakdown to address and resolve mechanical or technical failures. Data Management: Applying breakdown in organizing and analyzing complex information. Mental Health Support: Considering breakdown in providing support and intervention for emotional or psychological crises.

Cultural and Practical Perspectives: The concept of breakdown is significant in understanding mechanical failures, data analysis, and mental health issues. It highlights the importance of addressing failures, analyzing information effectively, and supporting individuals in times of crisis.

In conclusion, breakdown is a noun that describes a failure, detailed analysis, or collapse in various contexts. Recognizing the characteristics and applications of breakdown helps in addressing technical issues, managing data, and providing support for mental health challenges.

BREAKDOWN or BREAK DOWN

Breakdown in just one word, it´s a noun, referring to the failure or disruption of a system, machine, process, etc… Break Down in two words, is a verb referring to failure or collapse.

As a Verb (To Break Down): The verb form break down means to fail or collapse, or to analyze something in detail. For example, “The team worked to break down the project into manageable tasks” means that they divided the project into smaller, more manageable parts. Another example, “The car broke down on the way to the conference” means that the car ceased functioning.

Examples of BREAKDOWN in a sentence

  • The breakdown of the car left them stranded on the side of the highway.
  • The breakdown in communication led to misunderstandings between the teams.
  • The report included a detailed breakdown of the project’s costs and expenses.
  • She experienced an emotional breakdown after the stressful events.
  • The breakdown of the negotiation process revealed several areas of concern.
  • The breakdown of the software system caused significant delays in the workflow.
  • They requested a breakdown of the data to better understand the trends.
  • The breakdown in the relationship was difficult to repair after so many arguments.

Origin of BREAKDOWN

The term breakdown has an intriguing etymological history, showing its development from physical to metaphorical meanings.

Semantic Context: Breakdown refers to the failure or collapse of something, or an analysis that divides a whole into its parts.

  • Origins of “Breakdown”: The term “breakdown” combines the verb “break” with the noun “down.” “Break” originates from the Old English “brecan,” meaning to shatter or smash, which is related to the Proto-Germanic “*brekan,” also meaning to break. “Down” comes from the Old English “dūn,” meaning a hill or a low place, which signifies descent or reduction.
  • Introduction to English: The compound term “breakdown” first appeared in Middle English and was used to describe the physical act of breaking something down into parts. This usage expanded to refer to the collapse of systems, processes, or mental states.
  • Evolution in Usage: Over time, breakdown came to represent various forms of failure or disintegration, from mechanical failures (like a car breaking down) to emotional or psychological collapses. It also developed a metaphorical sense, used in contexts like analyzing information by breaking it down into components.
  • Modern Application: Today, breakdown is used in a wide range of contexts, including engineering (mechanical breakdown), personal health (emotional breakdown), and data analysis (breaking down information into categories). It illustrates the concept of disintegration or detailed analysis.

The term breakdown reflects its historical evolution from physical disintegration to encompass broader meanings of collapse and analysis, highlighting its versatility in modern usage.

Synonyms

  • Failure
  • Collapse
  • Malfunction
  • Disruption
  • Breakdown
  • Crash
  • Deterioration
  • Decomposition

Antonyms

  • Success
  • Functioning
  • Repair
  • Improvement
  • Stability
  • Continuation
  • Reparation
  • Recovery

Related

  • Analysis
  • Decomposition
  • Breakdown period
  • System failure
  • Mental breakdown
  • Mechanical failure
  • Structural failure
  • Failure report

🌐 🇬🇧 BREAKDOWN in other languages

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