breakaway: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “breakaway” mean?
The act or instance of separating or detaching from a larger group, organisation, or structure, often to form a new independent entity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or instance of separating or detaching from a larger group, organisation, or structure, often to form a new independent entity.
An individual or group that has separated; something designed to detach easily; a sudden, fast attack or move away from competitors in sports.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. British English may be more likely to use 'breakaway' attributively (e.g., 'breakaway group') in political contexts. American English uses it prominently in ice hockey (breakaway chance) and cycling.
Connotations
Similar connotations of rebellion, independence, and sudden separation in both varieties. In sports, it carries positive connotations of speed and opportunity.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both, with slightly higher frequency in American English due to its established use in major sports commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “breakaway” in a Sentence
[Noun] of [NP] (the breakaway of the eastern provinces)[Adjective] + [Noun] (a breakaway coalition)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breakaway” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Several MPs threatened to break away and form a new party.
- The region sought to break away from federal control.
American English
- The startup broke away from the parent company last year.
- The cyclist broke away from the peloton on the steep hill.
adverb
British English
- The handle is designed to come breakaway in a collision. (rare, technical)
American English
- The side-view mirror is breakaway to reduce pedestrian injury. (rare, technical)
adjective
British English
- The breakaway faction held its own conference.
- They joined a breakaway union.
American English
- The breakaway province declared independence.
- She scored on a breakaway chance in hockey.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a group of employees or a division leaving to start a rival company (e.g., 'The breakaway was founded by former executives').
Academic
Used in political science and sociology to describe secessionist movements or dissident factions.
Everyday
Common in news reports about politics and sports (e.g., 'A breakaway in the final lap won her the race').
Technical
In engineering, describes a component designed to detach under stress for safety (e.g., 'breakaway mirror'). In cycling/hockey, a fast solo attack.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “breakaway”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “breakaway”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breakaway”
- Using 'breakaway' as a main verb (incorrect: *He decided to breakaway. Correct: He decided to break away).
- Confusing 'breakaway' (noun/adj) with the phrasal verb 'break away'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is one word when used as a noun ('a breakaway') or adjective ('a breakaway group'). The phrasal verb is written as two words: 'to break away'.
No, 'breakaway' itself is not a verb. The verb form is the phrasal verb 'to break away'.
'Breakaway' emphasises separation from a group to become independent. 'Breakout' emphasises escaping from confinement (e.g., prison, a mould) or a sudden, widespread occurrence (e.g., breakout hit).
It is context-dependent. In politics, it can be negative (rebellious, destabilising) or positive (progressive, independent). In sports, it is usually positive, denoting skill and opportunity.
The act or instance of separating or detaching from a larger group, organisation, or structure, often to form a new independent entity.
Breakaway is usually neutral to formal in register.
Breakaway: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪkəweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪkəweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Make a clean breakaway”
- “Lead the breakaway”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cyclist BREAKing AWAY from the main pack. The word itself is a compound: BREAK + AWAY.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL/ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES ARE PHYSICAL STRUCTURES (a piece breaks away). PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOVEMENT (breaking away from the pack leads to victory).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'breakaway' LEAST likely to be used?