a meltdown of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a meltdown of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a sudden failure or breakdown, often in an emotional or systemic context. Example: "After the unexpected news, there was a meltdown of communication within the team, leading to confusion and frustration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This was a meltdown of simply unimaginable proportions.

Independent

Miami may or may not be suffering a meltdown of its own accord.

The New York Times - Sports

Afghan officials say they hope they can avoid a meltdown of Kabul Bank — and of the country's financial system.

The New York Times

"In the end, that's really the only way to prepare for a contingency like a meltdown of the financial system".

The New York Times

That raises the risk of a meltdown of the core reactor, which could lead to a nuclear catastrophe.

The Economist

An uncontrolled temperature rise at the plant could lead to a meltdown of the uranium reactor core.

The Guardian

During the financial crisis, only energetic arm-twisting and deep-pocketed IMF and EU support averted a meltdown of the economy.

The Economist

By contrast, reactors have strong containment vessels that stand a better chance of bottling up radiation from a meltdown of the fuel in the reactor core.

The New York Times

"Ongoing moderate recovery likely will continue beyond the end of the year, barring a meltdown of the global financial system," he said.

The New York Times

The markets have clearly figured out that a meltdown of the euro would impose enormous costs on Europe's most solid economy, too.

The New York Times

We're in a meltdown of our political system everywhere and we've just managed to stumble into a particularly baroque version here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a meltdown of" to describe situations involving a rapid and often catastrophic failure, whether it's in emotional, financial, or systemic contexts. Ensure the context aligns with the severity implied by the term.

Common error

Avoid using "a meltdown of" for minor setbacks or inconveniences. The term carries a strong connotation of crisis and should be reserved for situations of significant consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a meltdown of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a catastrophic failure or breakdown. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly appears in contexts describing the collapse of systems or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a meltdown of" is a commonly used phrase that describes a rapid and significant failure or collapse, whether in systems, emotions, or structures. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and is frequently used in news, business, and science contexts. When considering alternative phrasings, ensure the chosen synonym accurately reflects the specific type of failure you intend to convey. Remember, reserving this phrase for situations of genuine crisis prevents diluting its impact. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian utilize this phrase, underscoring its acceptance in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collapse of

Focuses on the sudden loss of structure or function.

a breakdown of

Emphasizes a failure in a system or process.

a disintegration of

Highlights the process of falling apart or losing cohesion.

a failure of

Indicates a lack of success or proper functioning.

a downfall of

Suggests a decline from a position of power or success.

a disintegration in

Focuses on the process of something falling apart in a particular context or area.

a shattering of

Emphasizes the complete and sudden destruction of something, often an idea or illusion.

a crumbling of

Describes a gradual decline or decay.

a cataclysm of

Refers to a sudden and violent upheaval or disaster.

an implosion of

Indicates a sudden and often internal collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "a meltdown of" in a sentence?

You can use "a meltdown of" to describe situations where there is a rapid and significant failure or collapse. For example, "The company experienced "a meltdown of" its stock price after the scandal was revealed."

What's a good alternative to "a meltdown of"?

Depending on the specific context, alternatives to "a meltdown of" include "a collapse of", "a breakdown of", or "a failure of". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a meltdown of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a meltdown of" can be used in formal writing, particularly when discussing serious events such as financial crises or systemic failures. However, ensure that the tone and context are appropriate for the level of formality.

What kind of events typically lead to "a meltdown of" something?

Events that can lead to "a meltdown of" something often involve a combination of factors that create instability, such as economic downturns, political instability, or critical system failures. The phrase suggests a point where recovery becomes extremely difficult.