What is breakdown? Pronunciation and usage in English

breakdown means . Learn how to pronounce and use breakdown through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of breakdown

breakdownnoun

/ˈbreɪkdaʊn//ˈbreɪkdaʊn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "breakdown" in English! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few ways to say it:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • /ˈbrɛkˌdaʊn/ (This is how it’s written in the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA)

2. Breakdown of the Sounds:

  • “break”: This part is key. It sounds like “brek” – like the word “trek” but with a short “e” sound. The "r" is lightly rolled.
  • “down”: This part is straightforward. It’s pronounced “down” as you’d expect.

3. Putting it Together:

So, you’re saying: “Brek-down”

Let's emphasize each syllable slightly: /ˈbrɛkˌdaʊn/

4. Common Pronunciation Variations:

  • Regional Differences: You might hear slight variations depending on where someone is from. Some people in the US might pronounce the "a" in "break" a little more like "ay."

5. Tips for Saying it Right:

  • The ‘r’: Don't overdo it with the “r” sound. It's a light, quick “r” – like a very faint tingle.
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable (“brek”).

Resources to Help:

Would you like me to:

  • Record an audio example (if possible based on the platform we’re using)?
  • Give you some example sentences using "breakdown" so you can practice?

Usage and examples with the word breakdown in English

Let's break down (pun intended!) how to use the word "breakdown" in English. It's a remarkably versatile word with several different meanings. Here's a comprehensive guide, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (to collapse or fail)

  • Mechanical Breakdown: This is the most common usage. It refers to a failure of a machine or vehicle.

    • Example: "My car had a sudden engine breakdown last week."
    • Example: "The washing machine had a breakdown and we had to buy a new one."

  • Emotional Breakdown: This describes a complete loss of emotional control, often characterized by crying, panic, or irrational behavior.

    • Example: “After the bad news, she had a complete emotional breakdown.”
    • Example: “He’s been under a lot of stress, and I’m worried he might have a breakdown.”

  • System Breakdown: Used in a more general sense to describe failure in a system – a computer system, a process, etc.

    • Example: “There was a server breakdown that affected the website.”
    • Example: "The project experienced a major research breakdown, delaying the report."

2. As a Noun (the act of collapsing or failing)

  • Mechanical Breakdown: (Same as above)

    • Example: “The mechanic diagnosed a major breakdown in the transmission.”

  • Emotional Breakdown: (Same as above)

    • Example: "She's recovering from her emotional breakdown."

  • Collapse (General): Can be used as a synonym, especially for a sudden and dramatic failure.

    • Example: “There was a complete breakdown of negotiations.” (Meaning the talks fell apart.)

  • A Sudden, Unexpected Failure:

    • Example: "The stock market experienced a sudden breakdown."

3. As Part of Phrases

  • Breakdown of…: This indicates a detailed analysis of something, often to reveal its components or the reasons for a problem.

    • Example: “The report provided a detailed breakdown of sales figures.”
    • Example: “Let’s look at the breakdown of costs for the project.”

  • Mental Breakdown: Similar to emotional breakdown, emphasizing the psychological aspect.

  • Breakdown in Communication: Refers to a failure to effectively communicate. “There's been a breakdown in communication between the two departments.”

  • Road Breakdown: A vehicle that has stopped on the side of the road.

Key Nuances and Considerations:

  • Severity: “Breakdown” often implies a significant and potentially disruptive failure.

  • Context is Crucial: The precise meaning of “breakdown” depends heavily on the context.

  • Formal vs. Informal: While “breakdown” is generally acceptable in most contexts, “collapse” might sound slightly more formal in certain situations.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in using "breakdown" in? (e.g., describing a car, a relationship, a business process, etc.)

Synonyms for the word breakdown

Practice with vocabulary breakdown

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. The unexpected ____ in the server network caused widespread disruptions across all departments.
  2. Could you provide a detailed ____ of the project expenses for the last quarter?
  3. Despite numerous attempts, the persistent ____ in the communication system made it impossible to hold the video conference effectively.
  4. The final ____ of the research data highlighted several key trends in consumer behavior.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Select all appropriate words or phrases that correctly complete each sentence.

  1. Which of the following terms could refer to a detailed analysis or component-by-component explanation of a larger system or set of data? a) Summation b) Elaboration c) Breakdown d) Synopsis e) Disaggregation

  2. A sudden cessation of function in a machine or system is commonly referred to as a: a) Disruption b) Interruption c) Collapse d) Breakdown e) Malfunction

  3. To fully comprehend the project's financial situation, we need a complete ____ of expenditures by department. a) allocation b) review c) breakdown d) summary e) analysis

  4. The consultant was asked to perform a comprehensive ____ of the company's operational inefficiencies. a) evaluation b) assessment c) review d) critique e) audit

  5. Due to a software ____, several critical files became corrupted and inaccessible. a) defect b) glitch c) error d) failure e) issue

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions provided.

  1. Original: The detailed report categorized the project's costs by department and phase.

    • Rewrite using "breakdown".

  2. Original: The communication channels between the two teams completely failed, leading to significant delays.

    • Rewrite using "breakdown".

  3. Original: The sudden halt in negotiations was caused by an irreconcilable difference of opinion.

    • Rewrite without using "breakdown", but using a suitable replacement word.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. breakdown
  2. breakdown
  3. malfunction
  4. analysis

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Breakdown, e) Disaggregation, b) Elaboration
  2. c) Collapse, d) Breakdown, e) Malfunction
  3. c) Breakdown, e) analysis
  4. a) evaluation, b) assessment, c) review, d) critique, e) audit
  5. a) defect, b) glitch, c) error, d) failure, e) issue

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The report provided a detailed breakdown of the project's costs by department and phase.
  2. There was a complete breakdown in communication between the two teams, leading to significant delays.
  3. The sudden impasse in negotiations was caused by an irreconcilable difference of opinion.

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