breakdown crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "breakdown crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "breakdown crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CRASH: A sudden mechanical or system failure, often referred to as a breakdown.
7 Letters
FAILURE: A general term for not achieving success or a functional breakdown.
8 Letters
COLLAPSE: A sudden structural or systemic breakdown.
ANALYSIS: The process of examining something by breaking it down into its constituent parts.
MELTDOWN: A catastrophic failure, often implying a complete breakdown of a system or emotional state.
13 Letters
DECOMPOSITION: The process of decay or breaking down into simpler parts, especially organic matter.
More About "breakdown crossword clue"
"Breakdown" is a versatile word often used in crosswords due to its multiple meanings. It can refer to a mechanical failure, such as a car breakdown; an emotional or mental collapse, like a nervous breakdown; or the act of analyzing something by separating it into its constituent parts, as in "breaking down data for study." The key to solving such clues lies in carefully examining the surrounding words in the clue for context.
For instance, if the clue mentions "vehicle" or "engine," the answer likely points to a malfunction. If it talks about "nerves" or "stress," an emotional answer is more probable. When the clue suggests "scrutinize" or "component," it points towards an analytical meaning. Recognizing these nuances is crucial for pinpointing the correct solution among the many possibilities for "breakdown."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always read the full clue carefully. Words surrounding "breakdown" will often provide vital clues to its specific meaning in that puzzle.
- Check Letter Count: After determining the potential meaning, cross-reference with the number of letters required. This instantly narrows down your options significantly.
- Consider Synonyms: Think of all possible synonyms for each interpretation of "breakdown" (e.g., for failure: crash, malfunction; for analysis: dissect, examine).
- Look for Homographs: Some clues might use 'breakdown' as a noun or a verb. For example, "Breakdown of statistics" points to ANALYSIS, while "Car breakdown" points to CRASH or FAILURE.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common types of 'breakdown' clues in crosswords?
Crossword clues for 'breakdown' often refer to mechanical failure (e.g., car breaking down), emotional collapse (e.g., nervous breakdown), or the act of analyzing something by separating it into parts (e.g., breaking down data). Contextual words in the clue are key.
How can I distinguish between 'breakdown' as a collapse and 'breakdown' as an analysis?
Look for synonyms in the clue. If it hints at 'collapse', 'failure', 'malfunction', or 'shatter', it's likely a physical or emotional breakdown. If it suggests 'dissect', 'examine', 'study', or 'component parts', then 'analysis' or a similar word is probably the answer.
Are there any common letter counts for 'breakdown' answers?
Answers for 'breakdown' can vary widely in length. Common lengths include 5 letters (CRASH), 7 letters (FAILURE, RUPTURE), 8 letters (COLLAPSE, MELTDOWN, ANALYSIS), and longer words like DECOMPOSITION (13 letters) or MALFUNCTION (11 letters) depending on the specific nuance of the clue.