Compound Nouns: Verb + Preposition

Breakdown

Definition: A failure to function or a collapse; can also refer to emotional distress.

• The car had a breakdown on the highway.
• She experienced a breakdown after the stressful week.
• The breakdown of communication caused problems.

Breakdown in a sentence

Check-in

Definition: The process of registering upon arrival.

• Please check-in at the front desk when you arrive.
• The check-in time for our flight is 3 PM.
• I always feel nervous during check-in at the airport.

Workout

Definition: A session of physical exercise or training.

• I go to the gym for my workout.
• He likes to do a workout every morning.
• A good workout can help you stay fit.

Workout in a sentence

Takeoff

Definition: The moment an aircraft leaves the ground and begins to fly.

• The takeoff was smooth, and everyone cheered.
• We watched the plane's takeoff from the runway.
• Understanding takeoff procedures is essential for pilots.

Takeoff in a sentence

Pickup

Definition: A casual gathering or meeting; can also refer to a vehicle designed for carrying cargo.

• The pickup game of basketball started at the park.
• He drove his pickup to help with the move.
• They arranged a pickup to discuss the project.

Pickup in a sentence

Turnout

Definition: the number of people attending an event; the amount produced

• The turnout for the concert was amazing.
• They expected a large turnout for the election.
• The turnout for the game was better than last year.

Turnout in a sentence

Setup

Definition: The arrangement or organization of something; the process of preparing.

• The setup for the event took several hours.
• She helped with the setup of the classroom.
• The computer setup was easy to follow.

Setup in a sentence

Lookout

Definition: A person or place that watches for danger or something interesting; a position for observing.

• The lookout spotted the ship approaching.
• They climbed to the lookout to see the view.
• He served as the lookout while his friends played.

Lookout in a sentence

Drop-off

Definition: the act of delivering someone or something to a location

• The drop-off for packages is at the front desk.
• She made a quick drop-off of her homework.
• Understanding drop-off locations can help in planning.

Backup

Definition: A copy or alternative that can be used if needed.

• Always keep a backup of your important files.
• He had a backup plan in case the event was canceled.
• The backup generator kicked in during the power outage.

Backup in a sentence

Checkout

Definition: The place where you pay for items in a store.

• She went to the checkout to pay for her groceries.
• The checkout line was very busy today.
• He forgot to put his wallet in the checkout basket.

Checkout in a sentence

Takeover

Definition: The act of assuming control of a company or organization.

• The takeover of the company was announced yesterday.
• She studied the details of the takeover in business class.
• A smooth takeover requires careful planning.

Takeover in a sentence

Handshake

Definition: a greeting involving two people grasping each other's hands

• They exchanged a handshake to seal the deal.
• A firm handshake can show confidence.
• He offered a handshake as a friendly greeting.

Handshake in a sentence

Makeup

Definition: Cosmetics used to enhance or alter appearance; also means to create something.

• She applied makeup before the party.
• He likes to make up stories for fun.
• Her makeup made her look different.

Makeup in a sentence

Throwaway

Definition: Something designed to be used once and then discarded; not meant for long-term use.

• She used a throwaway plate for the picnic.
• Throwaway items can contribute to waste.
• It’s better to avoid throwaway products when possible.

Throwaway in a sentence

Kickoff

Definition: The start of a game, especially in football.

• The kickoff for the game is at 3 p.m.
• They celebrated the kickoff of the new season.
• The kickoff marked the beginning of the event.

Kickoff in a sentence

Layout

Definition: The way in which something is arranged or organized.

• The layout of the classroom makes it easy to see the board.
• He designed the layout for the new park.
• The website has a clean layout that is easy to navigate.

Layout in a sentence

Standoff

Definition: A situation in which neither side is willing to give in; a deadlock.

• The standoff between the two teams lasted for hours.
• They reached a standoff during negotiations.
• The standoff ended when a compromise was reached.

Standoff in a sentence

Cut-off

Definition: A limit or boundary, often used in contexts like deadlines or measurements.

• The cut-off for applications is next week.
• They set a cut-off point for grades to pass the class.
• Understanding the cut-off helps in planning ahead.

Drop-out

Definition: same as dropout; a person who leaves before completing a program

• The drop-out rate has decreased in recent years.
• She became a successful artist after being a drop-out.
• Understanding the challenges faced by drop-outs is important.

Fall-out

Definition: The results or consequences of an event; often used to describe radioactive particles that settle after an explosion.

• The fall-out from the decision affected many people.
• She was concerned about the fall-out from the incident.
• Fall-out can lead to long-term changes in the environment.

Get-together

Definition: A casual meeting or gathering of friends or family.

• They organized a get-together for the holidays.
• The get-together was a fun way to catch up.
• She enjoyed the get-together with her classmates.

Hang-up

Definition: an emotional problem or concern; also refers to a phone call being disconnected

• He has a hang-up about speaking in public.
• Don’t let that hang-up stop you from trying.
• She experienced a hang-up when the call ended unexpectedly.

Look-up

Definition: The act of searching for information; often in a reference book or online.

• I need to do a look-up to find the answer.
• The look-up for the word was easy.
• She did a quick look-up on her phone.

Mix-up

Definition: A mistake or confusion about something; often involving misidentification.

• There was a mix-up with my order at the restaurant.
• She had a mix-up with the dates for the meeting.
• The teacher apologized for the mix-up with the assignments.

Run-down

Definition: in poor condition or tired

• The building looked run-down and needed repairs.
• She felt run-down after a long week of work.
• The run-down park needed cleaning and maintenance.

Set-up

Definition: The arrangement or organization of something.

• The set-up for the event was impressive.
• They had a complicated set-up for the presentation.
• She liked the set-up of the new classroom.

Take-off

Definition: The action of an aircraft leaving the ground.

• The take-off was smooth and on time.
• He enjoyed watching the take-off from the airport.
• The airplane's take-off was thrilling to witness.

Turn-out

Definition: the result or outcome of a situation

• The turn-out for the fundraiser exceeded their goals.
• He was pleased with how the turn-out for the event was.
• The turn-out at the party was much larger than expected.

Work-out

Definition: A session of physical exercise to improve fitness.

• She goes for a work-out every morning.
• His work-out routine includes running and weightlifting.
• A good work-out can boost your mood and energy.

Fallback

Definition: A backup plan or alternative option to be used if the primary plan fails.

• They had a fallback plan in case of bad weather.
• Her fallback was to study if the trip was canceled.
• Having a fallback can reduce stress in uncertain situations.

Fallback in a sentence

Upgrade

Definition: To improve or enhance something, often by adding new features.

• She will upgrade her phone to the latest model.
• The software upgrade fixed several bugs.
• He decided to upgrade his computer for better performance.

Upgrade in a sentence

Handover

Definition: the transfer of control or responsibility

• The handover of power is a significant event.
• They prepared for the handover of the project.
• During the handover, they shared important information.

Handover in a sentence

Breakthrough

Definition: An important and sudden advance or discovery.

• The scientist made a breakthrough in cancer research.
• Her breakthrough helped improve treatment methods.
• Understanding breakthroughs can inspire future innovations.

Breakthrough in a sentence

Input

Definition: Information or data that is entered into a system; contributions.

• The teacher asked for input from the students on the project.
• They analyzed the input from the survey.
• Your input is valuable in making decisions.

Input in a sentence

Output

Definition: The amount of something produced or delivered.

• The factory increased its output to meet demand.
• Their output of products improved this year.
• Understanding output helps in analyzing productivity.

Output in a sentence

Handout

Definition: a printed document given to people

• The teacher provided a handout with instructions.
• He reviewed the handout before the meeting.
• The handout contained helpful tips for studying.

Handout in a sentence

Runoff

Definition: water that flows over land and returns to rivers

• The heavy rain caused a lot of runoff into the streams.
• Farmers are concerned about pollution in the runoff.
• The runoff from the fields can affect water quality.

Runoff in a sentence

Walkthrough

Definition: a step-by-step guide or demonstration

• The teacher gave a walkthrough of the math problem.
• We watched a walkthrough of the new video game.
• The walkthrough helped me understand the project better.

Walkthrough in a sentence

Hangover

Definition: the unpleasant effects after drinking too much alcohol

• He had a hangover after the party last night.
• Drinking water can help with a hangover.
• She stayed home to recover from her hangover.

Hangover in a sentence

Throwback

Definition: A nostalgic reference to something from the past; a return to an earlier style or trend.

• The party had a throwback theme with 80s music.
• His outfit was a throwback to the fashion of the 90s.
• They enjoyed a throwback photo of their childhood.

Throwback in a sentence