broken-down
Americanadjective
-
shattered or collapsed, as with age; infirm.
-
having given way with use or age; out of working order.
a broken-down chair.
adjective
-
worn out, as by age or long use; dilapidated
a broken-down fence
-
not in working order
a broken-down tractor
-
physically or mentally ill
Etymology
Origin of broken-down
First recorded in 1810–20
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.
Representatives from Big Oil, along with many smaller companies, mixed with their peers and government officials and grumbled about the country’s broken-down electrical grid.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026
In an undeveloped eastern part of the city, the caravan turned off the pavement and bumped along a dirt road to an opening in the Joshua trees where a broken-down recreational vehicle came into view.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
The AA said it received 14% more callouts than usual on Thursday for broken-down vehicles.
From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026
LeBron James is now a fancy hood ornament on a broken-down jalopy.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 16, 2026
“I reckon. But what are you kids gonna do with a broken-down mower?”
From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
