breakdown

Everyday

1. When a machine or vehicle stops working: our car had a breakdown on the motorway. tree →
2. When something fails or ends: a breakdown in talks. tree →
3. A list that shows the separate parts of a total: a breakdown of the costs. tree →
4. (euphemism, informal) A nervous breakdown: a time when someone becomes very ill with stress and cannot cope. tree →
5. (science) The splitting of a substance into smaller parts: the breakdown of food. tree →

In the lessons

In maths a breakdown shows how a total is split, for example a bill broken into food, drinks and tips; a table or pie chart can give it. In science, digestion is the breakdown of food. In safety, pupils learn what to do if the family car has a breakdown. Phrases: break down (verb), breakdown truck, breakdown of costs, breakdown in communication.

Examples

• We waited an hour for the breakdown truck. tree →
• Here is a breakdown of the trip's costs: coach 200, tickets 150, lunch 50. tree →
• Enzymes help the breakdown of food in the stomach. tree →
• There was a breakdown in communication, so nobody brought the ball. tree →
• (euphemism) After months of stress, he had a breakdown and took time off work. tree →
• If the car has a breakdown on a motorway, everyone gets out and waits behind the barrier. tree →

Note

Noun written as one word (a breakdown); the verb is two words (to break down). In maths, the parts of a breakdown must add up to the total: 200 + 150 + 50 = 400. Talking about someone's breakdown needs kindness.