Definition

Noun: A state or event in which a piece of equipment stops functioning normally or as intended; a breakdown or malfunction.

Usage

This term is used to describe a situation where machinery, devices, or systems stop working correctly. It is a formal and technical term common in engineering, maintenance, and operational contexts.

Examples

• The factory's production was halted due to an equipment failure.
• Investigators determined that the cause of the accident was a catastrophic equipment failure.
• Regular maintenance can help prevent unexpected equipment failure.

Advanced Usage

• "to result in equipment failure": to cause a breakdown.
  • Ignoring the warning signs can result in costly equipment failure.
• "catastrophic/critical equipment failure": a severe breakdown that causes complete stoppage or significant damage.
  • The airline grounded its fleet after a report of a potential critical equipment failure.

Variants and Related Words

• Failure (n): A more general term for the fact or state of not functioning.
• Breakdown (n): A simpler, more common term for a mechanical failure.
• Malfunction (n/v): A failure to function in a normal or satisfactory manner.

Synonyms

• Breakdown
• Malfunction
• Fault
• Outage (specific to power or utilities)

Related Phrases

• Mechanical failure: A type of equipment failure specifically related to mechanical parts.
  • The train was delayed because of a mechanical failure.
• System failure: A broader failure affecting an entire system, which may be caused by equipment failure.
  • The data center experienced a complete system failure.

Noun

1. a cessation of normal operation
   • there was a power breakdown