system crash

Meaning

A system crash occurs when a computer program or an entire operating system stops functioning properly and shuts down unexpectedly. It usually happens due to hardware failures, software bugs, or memory overload. This term is neutral and widely used by both IT professionals and everyday users.

Examples

• The developer is investigating what caused the sudden system crash during the live stream.

  The developer is investigating what caused the sudden system crash during the live stream.

• A major system crash at the bank left millions of customers unable to access their accounts for hours.

  A major system crash at the bank left millions of customers unable to access their accounts for hours.

• Make sure you save your work frequently to avoid losing data in the event of a system crash.

  Make sure you save your work frequently to avoid losing data in the event of a system crash.

• After the latest software update, my computer suffered a complete system crash and wouldn't reboot.

  After the latest software update, my computer suffered a complete system crash and wouldn't reboot.

• The IT department managed to recover all the lost files after yesterday's unexpected system crash.

  The IT department managed to recover all the lost files after yesterday's unexpected system crash.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ My computer had a system crash down.

  ✓ My computer had a system crash.

  The word 'crash' already implies going down or failing. Adding 'down' is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

• ✗ The software made a system crash.

  ✓ The software caused a system crash.

  We do not 'make' a crash. A system crash is 'caused' by something, or a system 'suffers' or 'experiences' a crash.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The IT support team is trying to recover the files lost during the ___.

  💡 An unexpected shutdown of the computer system.

  Show answer

  system crash

• To prevent data loss from a sudden ___, always enable the auto-save feature.

  💡 When a computer operating system stops working suddenly.

  Show answer

  system crash