Heartbreaking

/hɑːrtˈbreɪkɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Causing or likely to cause intense sorrow or grief.

The documentary on poverty in the city was truly heartbreaking.

Emotionally devastating or distressing.

It was a heartbreaking decision to put the family dog to sleep.

Deeply affecting the emotional state of a person in a sad way.

Her heartbreaking story of loss moved everyone in the audience to tears.

Resulting in profound sadness or disappointment.

The heartbreaking news of the accident spread quickly through the community.

Derived from 'heart' + 'breaking', referring to the emotional pain that feels as if the heart is physically breaking.

heartbreaking moment

A moment that causes great sadness.

heartbreaking story

A narrative that evokes deep emotional pain.

heartache

Emotional pain or distress.

sorrow

A feeling of deep distress caused by loss.

Bummer

That breakup was a total bummer.

Downer

Hearing about the tragedy was such a downer.