rundown

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'rundown' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a summary or a list of information. Example sentence: I will give you a rundown of the supplies we need for the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her fate was all the more harrowing because the IRA murder squad that came to kill her dragged her away from her screaming, crying children in a rundown flats complex in 1972, the bloodiest year of the conflict.

The Guardian

Here is a rundown of his remarkable goalscoring numbers: 42 goals in 32 league games this season 307 goals in 296 games for Real Madrid.

The Guardian - Sport

There is no evidence that more accommodating tactics, or any of the settlements on offer, would have even slowed the rundown of coal - as the later cauterisation of those areas that broke the strike so cruelly demonstrated.

The Guardian

Freedland urges us to consider the successful policies of the Blairites, including "the minimum wage, the pensioners lifted out of poverty, the civil partnerships, the Sure Start centres, devolution, the windfall tax, the rebuilding of broken schools and rundown hospitals".

The Guardian

There were 150 of us in a rundown hotel, with Britvic, and carpets running up the walls.

The Guardian

The daughter of Irish immigrants who went on to become farmers, she says she "grew up in a rundown area of south London where the only careers advice given to us was the phone number of the local council housing office for when you became a single mum and needed a council flat".

The Guardian

Created by Nine producers Julian Cress and David Barbour and launched in 2003, when participants renovated a rundown Bondi apartment block, the show moved to Melbourne in 2011 where it has stayed except for the one "all-stars" series that returned to Bondi in 2013.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I hope that you will join us at a time when compassion and empathy are celebrated; if you're not convinced, let me first give you a rundown of the allegations which have been reported by journalists in recent months.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather, it gambled the certainty of accelerated rundown against the chance of stopping that assault in its tracks.

The Guardian

We are on the second floor of a slightly rundown apartment building in the Charlottenberg district of Berlin; Christiane is a handsome woman of 51, with startlingly clear eyes and a ready smile.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Artangel team has taken over a former Fads decorating shop, soon to be torn down, in a shabby, rundown square near Archway tube station in north London.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rundown" as a noun, especially in the context of a summary, precede it with "the" (e.g., "the rundown").

Common error

While "rundown" can function as an adjective or noun, avoid using it as a verb. Instead of saying "to rundown the details", opt for "to summarize the details" or "to outline the details".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rundown" is either as an adjective describing a state of disrepair (e.g., a "rundown" building) or as a noun denoting a summary or overview (e.g., give me the "rundown"). Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "rundown" is a versatile word, functioning primarily as an adjective to describe something in a state of disrepair or as a noun to signify a summary or overview. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly featured in News & Media, but also present in Formal & Business and Science contexts, the term conveys either a state of decline or the provision of concise information. It's crucial to remember to use "the" before "rundown" when using it as a noun referring to a summary. While acceptable in various situations, avoid using "rundown" as a verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

summary

This alternative refers to a concise overview of the main points.

outline

This alternative suggests a structured overview, highlighting key areas.

recap

This alternative means a brief review or summary of what has been said or done.

overview

This alternative provides a general description or summary of a topic.

synopsis

This alternative is a brief summary or general survey of something.

summary report

This alternative indicates a more formal and detailed summary.

damage assessment

This alternative implies evaluating the extent of deterioration or destruction.

deteriorated condition

This alternative refers specifically to the state of being in poor condition due to wear or neglect.

state of disrepair

This alternative emphasizes the condition of needing repair.

in poor shape

This alternative suggests that something is not in good condition.

FAQs

How can I use "rundown" in a sentence?

You can use "rundown" as a noun meaning a summary, as in "Here's the rundown of today's meeting". As an adjective, it describes something in poor condition, like "a rundown building".

What can I say instead of "rundown" (summary)?

You can use alternatives like "summary", "outline", or "recap" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "rundown" (poor condition)?

Consider using "dilapidated", "decrepit", or "ramshackle" when describing something in poor condition.

Is it correct to say "give me a rundown"?

Yes, it is correct and common to say "give me a rundown". It means to provide a summary or overview of something.