risk of breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "risk of breakdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for failure or malfunction in a system, process, or relationship. Example: "The aging machinery in the factory has a high risk of breakdown, which could lead to costly production delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Its rotor is made of superhard steel that can spin faster, speeding the pace of enrichment while lowering the risk of breakdown.

The New York Times - Science

It is primarily aimed at children in care or families at risk of breakdown, with a maximum of three families staying for short periods.

Independent

The feud is being fought in blood on the streets of a country with nearly 150m people, 90% of them Muslims, and most of them desperately poor.The political system is at risk of breakdown.

The Economist

Their feud is being fought in blood on the streets, in a country of nearly 150m poor people, 90% of them Muslims.The political system, despite a fragile truce this week (see article) remains at risk of breakdown.

The Economist

This peak power reduction simplifies the transmitter design, increasing both performance and reliability as well as reducing the risk of breakdown or arcing in the high power cables [4].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the growth characteristics of P. ostreatus cultivated in the presence of AFB1, (2) test for residual AFB1 in substrates and P. ostreatus mushrooms, and (3) asses the mutagenicity risk of breakdown products.

AMB Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Lions rarely blitz, so while their sack totals are low, Cliff Avril, Ndamukong Suh, Kyle Vanden Bosch and their linemates provide enough pressure for Jim Schwartz to keep seven defenders back in coverage, minimizing the risk of breakdowns.

The New York Times

Redundant components were a priority because the extreme environment increases the risk of breakdowns.

BBC

The significance of fattening herds is in contrast with the results of Vial et al. [ 20] who found greater risk of breakdowns among dairy herds as well as larger herds.

BMC Veterinary Research

For this to happen twice a day in the first few days after major trauma is likely to increase the risk of breakdowns in continuity of surgical care, and the delivery of HBO can interfere with the optimal timing of the many other assessments, investigations and interventions required.

BMJ Open

On the former worry: " open-door bargaining also encourages representatives to posture by adopting overly aggressive bargaining positions that increase risks of breakdown in negotiations" (2004, 30).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "risk of breakdown", clearly specify what system or entity is at risk. For example, instead of saying "there is a risk of breakdown", specify "there is a risk of system breakdown".

Common error

While "risk of breakdown" is technically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "might fail" or "could break".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "risk of breakdown" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and functions to describe potential failures in various systems, processes or relationships.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "risk of breakdown" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to express the potential for failure or malfunction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, although it's relatively rare. While appropriate for formal and technical discussions, simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual conversations. Common usage includes assessing potential problems in machinery, systems, or even social structures. To ensure clarity, specifying the system at risk is advisable. Its presence in sources like The New York Times and scientific journals underscores its relevance in both journalistic and academic spheres.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likelihood of failure

This alternative focuses on the probability of not succeeding, changing the focus to a more general sense of failure.

potential for collapse

This phrase uses "collapse" to indicate a sudden and complete failure, suggesting a more dramatic outcome than a general breakdown.

danger of malfunction

Replacing "breakdown" with "malfunction" highlights a problem with operation or function, often in technical contexts.

threat of disintegration

This suggests a process of falling apart or losing cohesion, implying a more gradual decline.

possibility of disruption

This focuses on the interruption or disturbance that a breakdown could cause, rather than the failure itself.

chance of cessation

This option indicates a complete stop or termination, useful when emphasizing the ending of a process or activity.

hazard of fracturing

This alternative is more appropriate when referring to physical objects and the chance that it will break.

prospect of impairment

This suggests something becoming damaged or weakened. It is more commonly used in medical contexts.

vulnerability to disruption

This phrase highlights the susceptibility of a system or process to being interrupted or failing.

exposure to detriment

This emphasizes the potential for harm or damage resulting from a failure, focusing on the negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "risk of breakdown" to describe the potential for something to fail or malfunction. For example: "The old machinery has a high "risk of breakdown"".

What are some alternatives to "risk of breakdown"?

Alternatives to "risk of breakdown" include "likelihood of failure", "potential for collapse", or "danger of malfunction", depending on the specific context.

Is "risk of a breakdown" grammatically correct?

Yes, "risk of a breakdown" is grammatically correct; however, "risk of breakdown" is equally valid and often preferred for its conciseness. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "risk of breakdown" over simpler terms like "failure"?

"Risk of breakdown" is suitable when you want to emphasize the possibility or likelihood of a failure, rather than the failure itself. It's often used in technical or formal contexts to assess and communicate potential problems.