Phrasal verb
break down
Meanings
To stop working because of a mechanical or technical problem.
To fail or stop being successful or possible to continue.
To separate something into smaller parts in order to understand or deal with it.
Definition
To break down means to stop working properly or to fail.
"Break down" is a phrasal verb most commonly used when a machine or system stops working. It can also describe a plan, relationship, or process that fails and cannot continue as intended. In everyday English, it often refers to unexpected problems that prevent something from functioning normally.
Examples
- My car broke down on the way to work.
- The talks broke down after hours of disagreement.
- Our teacher broke down the problem into simple steps.
- Their old washing machine broke down again last night.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "break down" (stop working or fail) with "break up" (end a relationship or separate).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.