system meltdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "system meltdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a system, often a computer or technological system, fails or crashes completely. Example: "After the software update, the entire network experienced a system meltdown, causing significant downtime for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

System meltdown!

Independent

All that's on the menu now is whether or not we avoid a system meltdown — and this will require rewarding some new investors.

The New York Times

While the financial system meltdown is continuing to cause problems with no end in sight, the weakness of the real economy is getting worse.

The Guardian - Opinion

So we know that the housing meltdown led to a financial system meltdown.

Forbes

AppDynamics is arguing you need to be prepared to deal with issues before they get out of control and there is an all-out system meltdown.

TechCrunch

This system meltdown often causes you to commit to nothing, or make abundant and "off-brand" selections.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

WASHINGTON Longng is the list of elected officials who, unbowed by terrorist threats, sex scandals, mobsters, pandemics, school system meltdowns, transit strikes or random acts of corruption, found themselves doomed by precipitation.

The New York Times

And it's hard to feel good about a policy process that ends with the president of the Eurogroup of finance ministers, Jeroen Dijsselbloem of the Netherlands, flip-flopping on the most important issue of all: who will bear losses and in what precise order of priority, in the (likely) event of future euro-zone financial system meltdowns.

The New York Times

"The real fear is that there's a kind of total systems meltdown," said Michael Darda, chief economist at MKM Partners.

The New York Times

The new fine adds to its public image problems following a systems meltdown this week and recent allegations, which it denies, that it has abused its small business customers.

The Guardian - Business

RBS's chief executive, Stephen Hester, remains under pressure over the unprecedented systems meltdown which left the bank unable to update customer balances and left a defendant behind bars over the weekend after his bail money failed to arrive, while other customers face difficulties in paying bills and moving home.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "system meltdown" when describing a complete and often unexpected failure of a complex system, whether it's technological, financial, or organizational. Ensure the context clearly indicates what 'system' is being referred to.

Common error

Avoid using "system meltdown" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. The phrase implies a significant and widespread failure, so reserve it for situations where the consequences are genuinely severe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "system meltdown" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of complete failure within a defined system. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "system meltdown" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression that refers to the complete failure of a complex system. Ludwig AI affirms this. Although not overly common, it is frequently encountered in news and media contexts to convey a sense of crisis or extreme failure. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what 'system' is being referenced and avoid using it for minor or temporary setbacks. Alternatives like "complete failure" or "systemic failure" may be suitable depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

systemic failure

Indicates that the failure affects the entire system.

critical failure

Focuses on the severity of the failure in terms of its impact, applicable to any system.

catastrophic failure

Highlights the disastrous consequences of the failure, adding an element of severity.

complete failure

Indicates a total lack of success or functionality, removing the system-specific aspect.

operational failure

Focuses on the inability of a system to perform its intended functions.

total collapse

Emphasizes a sudden and complete breakdown, broader in scope than just technological systems.

complete breakdown

Implies a gradual process leading to total cessation of function, without necessarily involving a system.

functional collapse

Emphasizes the loss of functionality.

severe malfunction

Highlights the faulty operation and its intensity, rather than a complete cessation.

infrastructure breakdown

Specifies the type of system that has failed, relating to basic services and facilities.

FAQs

What does "system meltdown" mean?

The phrase "system meltdown" refers to a complete and often catastrophic failure of a complex system, whether it is a computer network, a financial institution, or some other interconnected structure.

When is it appropriate to use the term "system meltdown"?

Use "system meltdown" when describing a situation where a system has completely failed, leading to significant disruption or negative consequences. It is suitable when the failure is not just a minor glitch but a major breakdown.

Are there alternatives to "system meltdown"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "complete failure", "total collapse", or "systemic failure". Choose the alternative that best reflects the specific nature and scope of the failure.

Is "system meltdown" too dramatic for some situations?

Yes, "system meltdown" can be perceived as overly dramatic for minor issues. For less severe situations, consider using terms like "system error", "malfunction", or "breakdown".