breakup
A breakup is the formal ending of a relationship, partnership, or the division of a large organization into smaller parts. In a personal context, it refers to the termination of a romantic connection between two people.
Examples
3 of 5After their breakup, she decided to travel around Europe for a month to clear her head.
Following their separation, she chose to go on a trip through Europe for a month.
The breakup of the Soviet Union led to the emergence of several independent sovereign states.
The dissolution of the Soviet Union resulted in the creation of many independent nations.
I heard about their messy breakup on social media before they even told their friends.
I found out about their difficult split online before they notified their social circle.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Visualize a 'cup' that has been 'broken' into pieces; once it's a 'breakup,' the pieces are no longer together.
Quick Quiz
The ______ of the massive telecommunications monopoly led to lower prices for consumers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: breakup
Examples
After their breakup, she decided to travel around Europe for a month to clear her head.
everydayFollowing their separation, she chose to go on a trip through Europe for a month.
The breakup of the Soviet Union led to the emergence of several independent sovereign states.
formalThe dissolution of the Soviet Union resulted in the creation of many independent nations.
I heard about their messy breakup on social media before they even told their friends.
informalI found out about their difficult split online before they notified their social circle.
Sociologists argue that the breakup of traditional family structures has significantly impacted social mobility.
academicAcademic researchers claim that the disintegration of conventional family units has affected social progress.
The board of directors is considering a breakup of the conglomerate to increase overall shareholder value.
businessThe company leadership is thinking about dividing the large corporation into smaller units to improve stock value.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a bad breakup
an emotionally painful separation
breakup of the ice
the physical melting and splitting of ice on water
post-breakup blues
the sadness felt after a relationship ends
Often Confused With
A 'breakdown' usually refers to a mechanical failure or an emotional collapse, while 'breakup' refers to the end of a relationship or entity.
This is the verb form; 'breakup' is the noun form.
Usage Notes
The word 'breakup' is written as one word when used as a noun, but should be two words ('break up') when used as a verb phrase. It can be applied to both small-scale personal relationships and large-scale geopolitical or corporate structures.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the verb phrase 'break up' where the noun 'breakup' is required, or they spell the noun as two separate words.
Memory Tip
Visualize a 'cup' that has been 'broken' into pieces; once it's a 'breakup,' the pieces are no longer together.
Word Origin
Originates from the English phrasal verb 'break up,' combining 'break' (from Old English brecan) and the adverb 'up' to signify completeness of the action.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western dating culture, a 'breakup' is a significant social event often accompanied by specific rituals like returning belongings or deleting photos on social media.
Quick Quiz
The ______ of the massive telecommunications monopoly led to lower prices for consumers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: breakup
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