breakdown
Translation
breakdown, failure, collapse, analysis
Examples
We had a breakdown on the highway.
We had a breakdown on the motorway.
He suffered a nervous breakdown.
He suffered a nervous breakdown.
We need a breakdown of the costs.
We need a breakdown of the costs.
There was a breakdown in communication.
There was a breakdown in communication.
Grammar Patterns
a breakdown of ((sth.)) a detailed list or analysis of (sth.) We need a breakdown of the costs.
a breakdown in ((sth.)) a failure of (a system) There was a breakdown in communication.
to have/suffer a breakdown to experience a mechanical or mental failure He suffered a nervous breakdown.
Similar Words
Etymology
From the verb 'to break' and the adverb 'down'. It suggests something ceasing to function, as if it has broken and fallen down.
Memory Tips
Imagine a machine 'breaking' and shutting 'down'. For the analysis meaning, think of 'breaking down' a complex topic into smaller parts.