Rundown vs. Run Down
Cambridge documents both “rundown” and “run-down” in noun/adjective contexts, while “run down” remains the phrasal verb. Because the closed and hyphenated variants coexist in documented usage, this page does not impose one universal noun spelling.
Use “rundown” or the documented variant “run-down” for a brief summary in the dictionary contexts that allow those forms; “run-down” is also an adjective for something in poor condition. Use “run down” as the phrasal verb.
Key details
Choose the right form
| If you mean / need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| a brief summary as a noun | rundown / run-down | Cambridge documents both forms in relevant dictionary entries. |
| poor condition as an adjective | run-down / rundown | Cambridge documents both adjective spellings in Business English. |
| the verb action, such as criticizing, reducing, or losing power | run down | The phrasal verb is two words. |
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the documented noun or modifier form when naming a thing, result, event, or concept; use the spaced form when the words function as a verb.
Fast Test
If the expression can take ordinary verb tense or inflection in the sentence, the spaced verb form is usually the relevant choice.
Variant Boundary
Cambridge documents “run-down” and “rundown” as noun/adjective variants in relevant entries, while the phrasal verb is “run down.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- RUN SOMEONE/SOMETHING DOWN — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Run down phrasal verb plus documented run-down/rundown noun and adjective forms