colossal breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "colossal breakdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant failure or collapse in a system, process, or situation. Example: "The project faced a colossal breakdown when the main server crashed, leading to a loss of critical data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The new findings suggest that there was a colossal breakdown in the criminal justice system.

The New York Times

Ms. Leekin's widely publicized case has been portrayed as a colossal breakdown in New York's adoption system.

The New York Times

In a 1990s-era case that has been seen as a colossal breakdown in the city's foster care system, New York City will pay $9.7 million to settle a lawsuit filed on behalf of 10 disabled people who were fraudulently adopted as children by a Queens woman more than 15 years ago and were subjected to years of abuse.

The New York Times

For Chuck Cornell, these stories represent a colossal breakdown of collective responsibility.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And he conjures the sense he felt in the wake of the assassination of John F. Kennedy that the nation was on the brink of a colossal "nervous breakdown," that it was headed to a place where educators would be unable "to educate, leaders unable and unqualified to lead, parents unable or unqualified to establish beliefs and boundaries for their children".

The New York Times - Books

The intentions are clearly noble, but what sets out to "celebrate Europe" only serves to highlight the colossal communication breakdowns that created this whole mess in the first place.

Vice

The track features electronic effects, colossal hooks, a "na na na" breakdown, and a Motown-tinged melody.

Wikipedia

A breakdown?

The New Yorker

Communications breakdown.

The New York Times

CHARLEY: Colossal!

The New York Times - Books

Big! Colossal.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "colossal breakdown" to describe situations where the scale of failure is particularly large and impactful. It is more dramatic than "significant failure".

Common error

Avoid using "colossal breakdown" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "big problem" or "major issue" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colossal breakdown" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a situation characterized by a significant failure or collapse. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "colossal breakdown" is a noun phrase used to describe a failure of significant magnitude. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, it is most frequently found in News & Media. While grammatically sound, it's best suited for formal contexts where emphasizing the scale of the failure is crucial. Alternatives like "massive failure" or "complete collapse" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the tone and audience to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

massive failure

Replaces "colossal" with "massive", which conveys a similar sense of scale and impact.

complete collapse

Emphasizes the totality of the failure, suggesting a complete and utter breakdown.

major debacle

Replaces the neutral term "breakdown" with "debacle", which suggests a humiliating failure.

total disintegration

Focuses on the process of falling apart, highlighting the complete loss of structure or function.

utter catastrophe

Highlights the disastrous consequences of the failure, emphasizing the negative impact.

systemic failure

Shifts the focus to a failure inherent within a system rather than a single event.

monumental blunder

Highlights the error or mistake that led to the breakdown, emphasizing the human element.

severe malfunction

Suggests a problem with functionality rather than a complete failure, useful in technical contexts.

significant disruption

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance caused by the failure, emphasizing its impact on operations.

grand fiasco

Similar to debacle but stronger, highlighting the ridiculous and unsuccessful nature of the failure.

FAQs

How can I use "colossal breakdown" in a sentence?

You can use "colossal breakdown" to describe a large-scale failure or collapse, as in, "The investigation revealed a "colossal breakdown" in the company's security protocols".

What are some alternatives to "colossal breakdown"?

Alternatives include "massive failure", "complete collapse", or "major debacle", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "colossal breakdown" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "colossal breakdown" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the significant scale of a failure. However, consider your audience and the specific context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What is the difference between "colossal breakdown" and "significant failure"?

"Colossal breakdown" implies a much larger scale of failure than "significant failure". "Colossal" emphasizes the immense size and impact of the failure, while "significant" simply indicates that it is noteworthy.