breakdown of institutions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breakdown of institutions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the failure or disintegration of established systems or organizations, often in a social or political context. Example: "The ongoing economic crisis has led to a significant breakdown of institutions, affecting governance and public trust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But what sets the Syria crisis apart is the sheer number (1.8 million people have already left the country) as well as the rapid and total breakdown of institutions.

The Guardian

But what sets the Syrian crisis apart, he says, is the sheer number – 1.8 million people have already left the country – as well as the rapid and total breakdown of institutions.

The Guardian

The breakdown of institutions and their physical constructs are strewn across the American landscape.

Huffington Post

But it warned that the breakdown of institutions in wake of the December 26 tsunamis left an opening for unscrupulous and criminal exploitation of the most vulnerable.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"And the breakdown of the institutions meant to protect us, the compromising of the judiciary, has got worse," he said.

The Guardian

If the United States continues to distort the situation through aggressive policy demands, then we are only reinforcing anti-Americanism and the breakdown of Pakistani institutions.

The New York Times

In a book written in 1995 with a Japanese politician, Shintaro Ishihara, Dr Mahathir contrasted Asians' respect for marriage with "the breakdown of established institutions and diminished respect for marriage, family values, elders, and important customs" in the West.

The Economist

A concomitant breakdown of traditional institutions is manifested in the decline of religiosity and of trade unions; a marked rise in various social pathologies (crime, drug and alcohol addiction); a decline in political participation and of trust in public authority; and the erosion of the institutions of family and marriage.

The Economist

Similarly, the introduction of birkas (underground water tanks) without due consideration of their impact on the whole rangeland and pastoral systems, agricultural development and a breakdown of customary institutions have caused Harshin Somali pastoralists a rangeland fragmentation (ibid; Gomes 2006; Nassef and Belayhun 2012).

Pastoralism

Afghanistan's social and political setting makes it prone to ethnic and civil wars and the breakdown of state institutions.

Huffington Post

The breakdown of social institutions in devastated areas creates difficulties securing food and supplies, leaving women and children at risk of kidnapping, sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly indicates which specific institutions are experiencing a breakdown to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "breakdown of institutions" when referring to temporary setbacks or isolated incidents within an institution. This phrase indicates a systemic issue rather than a single event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breakdown of institutions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a state of decline or failure within established systems. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from political crises to social changes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breakdown of institutions" is a grammatically sound and conceptually rich term used to describe the weakening or failure of established systems. As analyzed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to describe situations of societal decline, frequently appearing in news, formal documents, and scientific analyses. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent and well-understood. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies which institutions are affected to avoid ambiguity, and be mindful not to apply it to minor or temporary setbacks. Understanding alternatives such as "collapse of institutions" or "deterioration of institutions" can help refine your message. Ludwig AI confirms the suitability of this phrase in formal and neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collapse of institutions

Emphasizes a sudden and complete failure, implying a more abrupt process.

failure of institutions

Focuses on the inability of institutions to perform their intended functions.

deterioration of institutions

Highlights a gradual decline in the quality or effectiveness of institutions.

erosion of institutions

Suggests a slow wearing away or weakening of institutional structures.

weakening of institutions

Indicates a reduction in the power or influence of institutions.

disintegration of institutions

Implies a complete falling apart or fragmentation of institutional systems.

undermining of institutions

Focuses on actions or factors that weaken or destabilize institutions.

decline of institutions

Indicates a general downward trend in the condition or influence of institutions.

institutional decay

Highlights the process of institutions gradually falling into a state of disrepair or ineffectiveness.

demise of institutions

Emphasizes the end or termination of institutions, suggesting a final state.

FAQs

How can I use "breakdown of institutions" in a sentence?

You can use "breakdown of institutions" to describe situations where established systems or organizations are failing. For example: "The war resulted in a widespread "collapse of institutions" and a humanitarian crisis."

What are some alternatives to "breakdown of institutions"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "failure of institutions", "erosion of institutions", or "decline of institutions".

What does the phrase "breakdown of institutions" imply?

The phrase "breakdown of institutions" implies a significant deterioration or failure of established systems, leading to instability and disruption within a society.

Is "breakdown of institutions" a formal or informal phrase?

"Breakdown of institutions" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, as it is commonly used in news reports, academic discussions, and professional analyses.