1. a severe overheating of a nuclear reactor core, resulting in melting
Usage: technical
2. a rapid or disastrous decline or collapse
3. an emotional breakdown or loss of self-control
Usage: informal

Examples

• The nuclear plant experienced a meltdown after the cooling system failed.
• The stock market meltdown wiped out billions in investor wealth.
• The company’s financial meltdown led to massive layoffs.
• She had a complete meltdown when she heard the bad news.
• The child’s meltdown in the store embarrassed his parents.
• Engineers worked to prevent a reactor meltdown during the emergency.
• The economic meltdown affected millions of families worldwide.