service breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

'service breakdown' is an acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
It is usually used to refer to an interruption in the normal operation of a service. Example: The power company apologised for the long service breakdown during the storm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The service breakdown was the second major problem on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines since May, when an electrical malfunction created smoky conditions in a tunnel between the Rosslyn and Court House Metro stations.

The Washington Post

In Rotherham, sadly now a byword for service breakdown, Shaun Wright, the South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner and former cabinet member in the borough, has finally resigned three weeks after the extent of child abuse in the town was revealed.

The Guardian

Using especially designed video vignettes of a hotel service breakdown, respondents rated their levels of satisfaction for the video vignettes that depicted varying levels of: (a) level of concern shown by the service provider, (b) whether policy was adhered to, (c) degree of 'voice' given to the customer, and (d) type of compensation.

Journal of Business Research

Staff were also provided with a car breakdown service, breakdown sign and personal alarms.

BMC Geriatrics

Both observation and interview data confirmed that HIV-patients' improved understanding of their treatment and service environment improved their capacity to use 'voice' sanctions as they were more confident to demand certain services (e.g. measurement and recording of vital signs) and point out or demand redress for what they saw as service breakdown (e.g. loss of paper medical files).

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The goals included reducing service breakdowns and customer complaints.

The New York Times

Front line workers not only see service breakdowns but also opportunities for serving customers in entirely new ways.

Harvard Business Review

For customers, the Aug. 6 derailment was another in a series of service breakdowns that has many reconsidering whether they will continue to use the system at all.

The Washington Post

However, greater proximity increases the risk of service breakdowns caused both by poor interference tolerance in receivers and by inappropriate signals radiated by transmitters.

Telecommunications Policy

Network Rail's work, partially completed, to raise signalling equipment at Cowley Bridge has prevented service breakdowns there during the floods.

The Guardian

These consequences include construction delays, design changes, claims, property damages, service breakdowns, disruption of neighboring business and even injuries and lost lives.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "service breakdown", be specific about the type of service affected and the impact on users. Context is key to understanding the severity and consequences.

Common error

Avoid stating that a "service breakdown" caused widespread chaos without providing specific examples of how it affected users or operations. Quantify the impact whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "service breakdown" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a failure or interruption in the delivery of a service. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "service breakdown" refers to an interruption or failure in the delivery of a service. Ludwig AI confirms that this is an acceptable phrase in written English. While grammatically correct, it's relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Related phrases include "service disruption" and "interruption of service". When using "service breakdown", specificity is key to conveying the impact and consequences of the disruption.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interruption of service

Focuses on the temporary cessation of service rather than the cause or reason.

service disruption

Emphasizes the disturbance to the normal service operation.

service interruption

A more formal and direct term for a pause in the service.

failure in service

Highlights the unsuccessful delivery of service.

lapse in service

Indicates a temporary fall from a previous standard of service.

outage

Implies a complete cessation of service, often in the context of utilities or communications.

system failure

Refers to a breakdown in the entire system supporting the service.

operational failure

Highlights a failure in the operations required to deliver the service.

technical fault

Specifically points to a technical issue causing the service disruption.

malfunction

Suggests that the service is not operating correctly due to a defect.

FAQs

How can I describe a "service breakdown" in more detail?

To provide more detail, specify the type of service affected, the duration of the interruption, and the cause of the "service disruption".

What are some synonyms for "service breakdown"?

Alternatives include "service disruption", "interruption of service", or "failure in service", depending on the specific context.

Is "service breakdown" a formal or informal term?

"Service breakdown" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the level of detail in your description should match the context.

What are the potential consequences of a "service breakdown"?

Consequences can range from minor inconveniences to significant operational disruptions, depending on the nature and duration of the "service interruption".