heartbreaking
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word 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.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” one advocacy group said in a statement, calling for permanent action to end carriage operations in the park.
From Salon • Jun. 20, 2026
A teacher described the decision as "truly heartbreaking" and said his smartphone was confiscated on Wednesday, before being returned with a warning not to carry it again.
From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026
“This is one of the most heartbreaking incidents I have witnessed during my time serving this community,” Orgill said in the statement.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
"While it is always heartbreaking to lose a young animal, sadly this is not uncommon in large cat litters," said Richard Langston, head of carnivores at Howletts.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
Watching him try to navigate the at once overwhelming and heartbreaking experience of the unmasked mob—
From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi
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.
