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.
In this true ensemble production, sharply directed by Anne Kauffman, Squibb was supported by a first-rate cast that included a heartbreaking turn by Cynthia Nixon.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
For New York, a season’s worth of setbacks—including those heartbreaking losses early in the playoffs—was all worth it for the payoff: basketball perfection when the games matter most.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
Floral tributes were left at the scene over the weekend and among other tributes, Stafford Rangers FC described the death as "heartbreaking".
From BBC • May 4, 2026
An OpenAI spokesperson said: "This is a heartbreaking incident and our thoughts are with those impacted."
From BBC • May 2, 2026
How heartbreaking, in addition to Zhenya, to learn now of the death of their beloved Marina Raskova!
From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein
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.
