heartbreaking
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of heartbreaking
First recorded in 1600–10; heartbreak + -ing 2
Explanation
Something that's deeply sad or distressing is heartbreaking, like the heartbreaking death of your beloved cat. Heartbreaking is the perfect word to describe a devastating feeling. When you lose someone you love, it feels like your heart is broken. Use this adjective for anything that causes you grief or sorrow, like the heartbreaking loss of an old tree in your yard or a glimpse of your crush holding hands with someone else. Other distressing events can feel heartbreaking too — even the loss of your favorite team in the playoffs: "What a heartbreaking defeat!"
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We know they’ll get their man, but it will take some time, and more than a few hilarious and heartbreaking misfires.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
Jane Dickerson, who works with Port William Inshore Rescue in Dumfries and Galloway said the recent spate of fatal water incidents was "absolutely heartbreaking".
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
“The prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness have carried us through the most heartbreaking days of our lives,” they said in a note posted Friday on Samantha’s Instagram page.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
“American Rambler” ends with the story of the Fitzgerald family’s latest tragedy: heartbreaking, harrowing and eloquently told.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
I want to walk into the picture, take their hands, and say that there will be incredible and heartbreaking changes ahead, but that their lives here will be good.
From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
