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Synonyms

heartbreaking

American  
[hahrt-brey-king] / ˈhɑrtˌbreɪ kɪŋ /

adjective

  1. causing intense anguish or sorrow.


Other Word Forms

  • heartbreakingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of heartbreaking

First recorded in 1600–10; heartbreak + -ing 2

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.

“It’s heartbreaking for me to hear these women crying and the only thing you can do is sue.”

From Los Angeles Times

The stories they heard over the last month were heartbreaking.

From Los Angeles Times

“After a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, family, and friends, we share the heartbreaking news of the death of Pat Finn,” Finn’s family said in a statement to multiple outlets.

From Los Angeles Times

An exquisite, heartbreaking and genuinely terrifying contemplation of trauma and familial love.

From Los Angeles Times

"A cancer diagnosis is heartbreaking at any age, but it can be particularly difficult for youngsters - especially when many may experience life-long side effects from their treatment."

From BBC