broken-down

[broh-kuhn-doun]

adjective

1. shattered or collapsed, as with age; infirm.

2. having given way with use or age; out of working order.

   a broken-down chair.

broken-down

adjective

1. worn out, as by age or long use; dilapidated

   a broken-down fence

2. not in working order

   a broken-down tractor

3. physically or mentally ill

Word History and Origins

Origin of broken-down¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Related Words

• battered 
• decrepit 
• ramshackle 
• run down