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.
Hull then lined the next pitch into the gap in left-center field for a walk-off double to send the Tar Heels to Omaha in a heartbreaking, season-ending loss for USC.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 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
“There are so many very good people at the foundation, with so many years doing real work on behalf of America’s national parks, it’s heartbreaking to watch.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026
Det Con Fran Homer, from the Metropolitan Police's cold case team, said it had been "heartbreaking" to hear how he had felt guilt over what happened, despite not being in any way to blame.
From BBC • May 26, 2026
It had been a selfish, stupid, heartbreaking choice, but one he’d made for himself.
From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson
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.
