What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
breakdown
Example
My car had a breakdown on the highway and I had to call for assistance. [breakdown: noun]
Example
She had a breakdown after the stressful week and needed some time to recover. [breakdown: noun]
Example
Let's breakdown the problem into smaller steps to make it easier to solve. [breakdown: verb]
meltdown
Example
The nuclear power plant had a meltdown, causing a dangerous release of radiation. [meltdown: noun]
Example
He had a meltdown at work and started yelling at his colleagues. [meltdown: noun]
Example
The company experienced a financial meltdown and had to declare bankruptcy. [meltdown: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Breakdown is more commonly used than meltdown in everyday language, especially in technical or psychological contexts. Meltdown is less common and tends to be used in specific situations such as nuclear accidents or emotional outbursts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between breakdown and meltdown?
Both breakdown and meltdown can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, breakdown is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels, while meltdown may have a stronger informal or colloquial connotation.
