- breakdown
- break|down [ˈbreıkdaun] n1.) [U and C]the failure of a relationship or systembreakdown of▪ He moved away after the breakdown of his marriage.▪ A sudden rise in oil prices could lead to a breakdown of the economy.breakdown in▪ There has been a serious breakdown in relations between the two countries.marriage/marital/family breakdown▪ Family breakdown can lead to behavioural problems in children.2.)a serious medical condition in which someone becomes mentally ill and is unable to work or deal with ordinary situations in life▪ I was worried he might have a breakdown if he carried on working so hard.▪ Two years ago he suffered a mental breakdown .▪ She had already had one nervous breakdown .3.)an occasion when a car or a piece of machinery breaks and stops working▪ Always carry a phone with you in case you have a breakdown on the motorway.breakdown in▪ a breakdown in the cooling system4.)a list of all the separate parts of somethingbreakdown of▪ Can you give us a breakdown of the figures?▪ a breakdown of the costs5.) [singular]the changing of a substance into other substances▪ the breakdown of glucose in the body to release energy
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.