breakdown of order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breakdown of order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where established rules, systems, or structures have collapsed or are no longer functioning properly. Example: "The sudden breakdown of order in the city led to widespread chaos and confusion among the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Plenty of Benghazians eyed the uprising with suspicion, worried at the breakdown of order.

The Guardian

But the breakdown of order since the invasion has changed all that.

The New York Times

It represents an implicit breakdown of order, a marking of territory by gangs.

The Guardian - Opinion

That particular threat may be growing, bolstered by the breakdown of order in Iraq and Libya and the civil war in Syria.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Ultra" football fans may just represent themselves but their confidence attests to a breakdown of order as well as the fragmentation of political life.

The Guardian

Beneath cuts a rip-tide: the sense that this is not a breakdown of order, but a new order of things.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The prisoners' stories, which could not be independently confirmed, reveal partial breakdowns of order beneath the surface of a still-functioning system, as well as the day-to-day negotiations that prisoners and guards engage in to survive a patchy conflict where neither side is entirely secure.

The New York Times

Was it the simple breakdown of social order?

The New York Times - Travel

But then, too, gun violence wasn't just incidental but instrumental pointed, causal to the breakdown of social order.

The New Yorker

He told me that he feared "a breakdown of civil order" if the team didn't bounce back strong.

The New Yorker

Whatever their contentions about a breakdown of governmental order, however, the term "no-go zone" is best left in retirement.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "breakdown of order", consider specifying the area or system affected for clarity (e.g., "breakdown of order in the judicial system").

Common error

Avoid using "breakdown of order" as a vague explanation. Instead, provide specific examples of what constitutes the breakdown, such as increased crime rates or institutional failures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breakdown of order" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a state or condition where established systems, rules, or structures have collapsed or are no longer functioning effectively. Ludwig AI highlights the phrase's versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breakdown of order" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a state where established systems or rules have collapsed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent usage across diverse contexts. The phrase is most often found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Formal & Business settings. While suitable for both formal and informal use, providing specific details enhances its impact, avoiding overgeneralization. Alternatives include "collapse of authority", "societal disruption", and "decline into anarchy", which offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collapse of authority

Focuses more on the failure of governing power, rather than the general system.

disintegration of structure

Emphasizes the fragmentation of established frameworks, instead of order specifically.

erosion of stability

Highlights the gradual loss of steadiness and predictability.

failure of governance

Specific to the malfunction or ineffectiveness of governing bodies.

societal disruption

Points to a general disturbance in the community or population.

systemic failure

Highlights the malfunction of a complex system as a whole.

loss of control

Focuses on the inability to manage or direct events or situations.

decline into anarchy

Suggests a progression towards lawlessness and absence of governing structure.

descent into chaos

Emphasizes the chaotic and disordered nature of the situation.

loss of regulation

Highlights that rules are not enforced, which can imply a breakdown of order.

FAQs

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

You can use "breakdown of order" to describe situations where established systems or rules have failed. For example, "The revolution led to a complete breakdown of order".

What are some alternatives to "breakdown of order"?

Alternatives include "collapse of authority", "societal disruption", or "decline into anarchy", depending on the specific context.

Is "breakdown of order" formal or informal?

"Breakdown of order" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but its impact can be increased in formal writing by providing specific details about what constitutes the breakdown.

What causes a "breakdown of order"?

A "breakdown of order" can be caused by various factors, including political instability, economic collapse, or natural disasters. These events can undermine established systems and lead to a state of disarray.