Meltdown (noun)

1. A complete failure of a system or institution, typically as a result of a crisis.
2. A sudden and severe breakdown in a system, especially one that causes a loss of control or a collapse.
3. A catastrophic failure of a system, especially a nuclear reactor.

Origin:

Late 20th century: from melt + down.

Examples:

1. The company faced a meltdown after the scandal broke.
2. The economy was on the brink of a meltdown.
3. The computer system suffered a meltdown.
4. The nuclear meltdown was a disaster.
5. The meltdown of the investment bank caused a financial crisis.