brink of breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brink of breakdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is on the verge of failing or collapsing, either emotionally or physically. Example: "After weeks of stress and pressure at work, I felt like I was on the brink of breakdown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

His unbrokered return would probably be disastrous, taking the country back to the brink of breakdown.

The Economist

Mr. Harrison's depiction of the trivial and the profound unhappinesses that can bring even young, accomplished New Yorkers to the brink of breakdown is sharply drawn and funny.

The New York Times

In the west the government had fallen apart in 1962, and a boycott of the federal election of December 1964 brought the country to the brink of breakdown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the niece, Victoria Hamilton - obviously speaking the truth and on the brink of breakdown - takes her already fine acting into another dimension.

The Guardian

Sinn Fein is the political ally of the I.R.A., and the arms issue has continually brought the three-year-old peace settlement to the brink of breakdown.

The New York Times

He declaims with such brainy, lassoing ease that he leaves his costars looking dense, and he turns the show's interrogation scenes into psychodramatic endurance tests, in which he mocks and cajoles the suspects, endures their racial taunts, and brings them (and sometimes himself) to the brink of breakdown.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We are standing on the brink of the breakdown of society.

The Guardian - Opinion

It became, she admits, too much and left her on the brink of a breakdown.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps a bit of distance was necessary to appreciate Fuller's wildly stylized portrait of an America on the brink of nervous breakdown.

The New York Times

Four years after it led the nation into a sweeping deregulation of the electric industry, California is at the brink of a breakdown in its power supply.

The New York Times

Four years after it led the nation into a deregulation of the electric industry, California is at the brink of a breakdown in its power supply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as being on the "brink of breakdown", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is at risk of failing or collapsing. For emotional states, consider adding details about the stressors involved.

Common error

While "brink of breakdown" is acceptable, be mindful of using it too casually in everyday conversation. Its stronger connotation is more suitable for serious or formal contexts; consider using more casual synonyms for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brink of breakdown" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It signifies a state of being very close to failing, collapsing, or experiencing a significant negative event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brink of breakdown" is a descriptive phrase used to denote an imminent state of failure or collapse, applicable to both emotional and systemic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, though its register is generally neutral to formal. While not overly common, it effectively communicates a sense of impending crisis, particularly in News & Media contexts. For situations nearing failure or collapse, consider alternative options such as "verge of collapse" or "near the breaking point" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the breaking point

Emphasizes the limit of someone's or something's endurance before failing.

point of collapse

Highlights the specific moment just before failure, adding a sense of dramatic timing.

at the end of one's rope

An idiomatic expression that emphasizes a state of desperation and loss of hope due to stress.

verge of collapse

Focuses on the imminence of a structural or systemic failure, rather than a personal or emotional one.

close to the edge

A more general term for something that is close to collapsing, failing, or ending.

edge of disaster

Emphasizes the potential for a catastrophic event, shifting the focus from internal state to external consequence.

on the verge of disintegration

Suggests a gradual process of falling apart, applicable to both physical and abstract entities.

facing imminent failure

Highlights the expectation of failure that is about to occur in short time.

on the point of giving way

Suggests that something or someone is about to surrender due to pressure or strain.

in a state of near-exhaustion

Specifically emphasizes depletion of resources or energy, leading to potential collapse.

FAQs

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

You can use "brink of breakdown" to describe a situation where someone or something is very close to failing or collapsing. For example: "After months of intense pressure, the negotiations were on the brink of breakdown" or "The constant stress left her on the brink of breakdown".

What are some alternatives to "brink of breakdown"?

Alternatives include "verge of collapse", "edge of disaster", and "near the breaking point". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "brink of breakdown" or "verge of breakdown"?

Both "brink of breakdown" and "verge of breakdown" are grammatically correct and very similar in meaning. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation, though "brink" may carry a slightly stronger sense of imminence.

Can "brink of breakdown" be used to describe both emotional and physical states?

Yes, "brink of breakdown" can apply to both emotional states (e.g., a person nearing a mental or emotional collapse) and physical or systemic states (e.g., a country or economy nearing collapse). The specific meaning is inferred from the context.