Quiebre

Quiebre is a Spanish noun meaning rupture, break, or turning point. It derives from the verb quebrar, which means to break or crack. The term is used across several domains to indicate a rupture in continuity or a decisive change.

In physical contexts, quiebre refers to a fracture or fault in materials, rocks, or structures.

In finance and business, quiebre denotes a sudden failure or insolvency. The more common term for bankruptcy is quiebra, but quiebre is used in headlines or colloquial speech to describe a company’s collapse, liquidity problems, or a market downturn. Phrases include quiebre de stock (stockout) and quiebre de contrato (breach of contract).

In sports, especially tennis, quiebre describes a break of serve—the server loses the game.

In social contexts, quiebre can refer to a rupture in a relationship or a breaking point in an agreement or plan.

Regional note: quiebre is widely understood in Latin American Spanish, while in Spain quiebra is more frequent for bankruptcy and quiebre is more limited to specific senses.

See also: quiebra, ruptura, fractura, quiebre de stock.