How to use breakdown in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Breakdown. I had a breakdown (= my car stopped working) in the middle of the road. Both sides blamed each other for the breakdown of talks. BREAKDOWN definition: a breaking down, wearing out, or sudden loss of ability to function efficiently, as of a machine. See examples of breakdown used in a sentence. Definition of breakdown noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. In this article, I will compare breakdown vs break down. As part of this comparison, I will use them both in a sentence to illustrate the proper context of each. an act or instance of breaking down. a loss of mental or physical health; collapse. Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.