easy
The teacher gave a breakdown of the homework steps.
What does Breakdown mean?
A breakdown can be a failure or a step-by-step explanation.
Dictionary definition
A failure, collapse, or clear explanation that separates something into parts.
Example sentences
Breakdown in a sentence
medium
The bus had a breakdown on the way to school.
hard
The report included a breakdown of the costs for each part of the project.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice breakdown in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Breakdown
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What can breakdown mean?
A breakdown can mean something stopped working or something was explained in parts.
Practice 2
Which word is closest to breakdown when it means a detailed explanation?
Analysis can mean a careful explanation of parts, like a breakdown.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses breakdown correctly?
This sentence uses breakdown to mean a detailed look at parts of the answers.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Breakdown
Voice settings
Sounds like
brayk · down · strongest beat: brayk
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordBreakdown.
Partnoun.
MeaningBreakdown means A breakdown can be a failure or a step-by-step explanation.
ExampleExample: The teacher gave a breakdown of the homework steps.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- brayk · down
- Strongest beat
- brayk
- Ending
- down
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on brayk.
Your turn
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Nice work—you practiced breakdown.
Synonyms
Words like Breakdown
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice breakdown synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The schedule breakdown showed each part of the day," then compare close word choices. Practice breakdown synonyms.
Word family
Breakdown word family
Base word
break
noun
breakdown
A failure or a detailed explanation.
noun
breakdowns
More than one breakdown.
verb
break down
To stop working or separate into parts.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Breakdown
Hint for students
A breakdown can be a failure or a step-by-step explanation.
Common mix-up
Do not use breakdown just because it sounds familiar. Make sure the sentence matches this meaning: A breakdown can be a failure or a step-by-step explanation.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The bus had a breakdown on the way to school. Clue words: bus, way, school. Underline clue words that show why breakdown fits instead of repair. Now write one new sentence that shows breakdown without using the word breakdown. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show breakdown?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The bus had a breakdown on the way to school." Why does breakdown fit better than repair?
Learning activities
Practice Breakdown and explore more word games
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Sentence Builder
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Context Clue Challenge
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Synonym Search
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