breakdown

1. A failure, particularly one which is mechanical in nature. (countable) · Whenever he was behind the wheel, he would panic at the first sign of a breakdown.
2. The sudden (and usually damaging) transition of an electrical insulator to a conductor when subjected to a sufficiently strong voltage, caused by the partial or complete ionization of the insulator; (countable) an instance of this; also, the minimum voltage at which this occurs. (uncountable)
3. Something, such as a vehicle, that has experienced a mechanical failure. (countable) · We saw a breakdown by the side of the road.
4. Detailed categorization, or itemization or listing, of the components of a thing; (countable) an instance of this. (uncountable) · Looking at the breakdown of the budget, I see a few items we could cut.
5. Breaking of chemical bonds within a compound to produce simpler compounds or elements; (countable) an instance of this. (uncountable)
6. A detailed description of a forthcoming project or screenplay which identifies all the required elements, such as the cast, costumes, equipment, props, and special effects. (countable)
7. A failure in a relationship; a failure or loss of organization in a system. (countable, figuratively)
8. (Sudden) worsening of physical health or (more commonly) mental stability, resulting in an inability to carry on normal activities; (countable) an instance of this. (figuratively, uncountable) · After so much stress, he suffered a breakdown and simply gave up.

Plural breakdowns