equipment breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equipment breakdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a failure or malfunction of machinery or devices, often in a technical or industrial context. Example: "The factory experienced an equipment breakdown that halted production for several hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The Hartford-based company specializes in insuring against equipment breakdown.

The New York Times

How fitting that an equipment breakdown decided another long afternoon at Pocono.

The New York Times - Sports

Operation risks include risks to health, environmental risks, and maintenance and equipment breakdown.

Waste-to-Energy Technologies and Project Implementation

If the product is needed immediately because of an equipment breakdown or an operating supply shortage, speedy replacement is essential.

Harvard Business Review

Whatever the cause of the failures, equipment breakdown invariably has the same end result – it leads to delays and thus long lines at the polling stations.

The Guardian

"We have let a lot of people down," he said and blamed the delays to the engineering works at King's Cross on equipment breakdown.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Equipment breakdowns are a common complaint here.

The New York Times

However, equipment breakdowns significantly reduce and disrupt these capacities.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

As is usually the case, bad weather or equipment breakdowns would impose additional delays.

The New York Times

A combination of improved maintenance and relatively mild weather also reduced equipment breakdowns.

The New York Times

The hospital staff, he said, were resilient in the face of acute shortages and equipment breakdowns.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "equipment breakdown", clearly specify the type of equipment involved to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating that an "equipment breakdown" will always cause a complete shutdown of operations; instead, assess and describe the specific consequences of the breakdown in context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equipment breakdown" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it referring to a failure or malfunction of machinery or devices.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "equipment breakdown" is a common term used to describe the failure or malfunction of machinery. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable across a range of contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While not extremely frequent, its meaning is clear and its usage is widespread. When using the term, be sure to specify the type of equipment involved for clarity. Consider alternatives like "machinery failure" or "device malfunction" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

machinery failure

Replaces "equipment" with "machinery", focusing on the mechanical aspect of the failure.

device malfunction

Substitutes "equipment" with "device", offering a more general term for a faulty apparatus.

mechanical failure

Highlights the mechanical aspect of the breakdown, implying a fault in the mechanics.

technical malfunction

Emphasizes the technical aspect of the problem, suggesting a fault in the device's operation.

hardware failure

Focuses on the tangible components experiencing the breakdown.

system failure

Broadens the scope to include the failure of an entire system, not just a single piece of equipment.

operational disruption

Focuses on the disruption caused by the breakdown, rather than the breakdown itself.

plant breakdown

Implies a failure causing the halt of normal operations of a plant.

out of order

Short and direct phrase to communicate that a piece of equipment isn't functioning.

non-operational

Describes the state of the equipment as being not in working order.

FAQs

What are some common causes of "equipment breakdown"?

Common causes include lack of maintenance, overuse, wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or improper operation. Regular inspection can help prevent some "equipment breakdowns".

How does insurance cover "equipment breakdown"?

Equipment breakdown insurance, also known as boiler and machinery insurance, covers the cost to repair or replace damaged equipment due to sudden and accidental breakdowns. This coverage typically extends to mechanical, electrical, and pressure equipment.

What can I say instead of "equipment breakdown"?

You can use alternatives like "machinery failure", "mechanical failure", or "device malfunction" depending on the context.

How can preventive maintenance minimize "equipment breakdown"?

Preventive maintenance, including regular inspections, lubrication, and parts replacement, helps identify and address potential issues before they lead to "equipment breakdown", extending equipment lifespan and reducing downtime.