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Definitions

breakdown

[breyk-doun] / ˈbreɪkˌdaʊn /
NOUN
nervous collapse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disintegration disruption failure mishap nervous breakdown
STRONG
neurasthenia neurosis
WEAK
basket case crack-up freak out nervous prostration psychasthenia
Antonyms
STRONG
mental balance
WEAK
mental health
NOUN
account of finances or other business
Synonyms
STRONG
analysis categorization classification diagnosis dissection itemization resolution
WEAK
detailed list

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Half Man explores the breakdown of their brotherhood and sees Niall struggle to accept his sexuality, while Ruben grapples with a trauma from his past.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Hiccups could entail something as big as a train breakdown or as small as a platform door not opening.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

It has now met its measured move from the bearish rounded top breakdown.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude both climbed above $100 a barrel on Monday after a breakdown in talks between the U.S. and Iran over the weekend.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

And, in my opinion, that’s one of the reasons why you’re having this little nervous breakdown.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger