Meaning & Definition of word "Heartbreaking"

Heartbreaking

/hɑːrtˈbreɪkɪŋ/

adjective:

  • 1. Causing or likely to cause intense sorrow or grief.
    • Example: The documentary on poverty in the city was truly heartbreaking.
  • 2. Emotionally devastating or distressing.
    • Example: It was a heartbreaking decision to put the family dog to sleep.
  • 3. Deeply affecting the emotional state of a person in a sad way.
    • Example: Her heartbreaking story of loss moved everyone in the audience to tears.
  • 4. Resulting in profound sadness or disappointment.
    • Example: The heartbreaking news of the accident spread quickly through the community.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

heartbreaking moment:

A moment that causes great sadness.

heartbreaking story:

A narrative that evokes deep emotional pain.

Related Words

heartache:

Emotional pain or distress.

sorrow:

A feeling of deep distress caused by loss.

Slang Meanings of heartbreaking

Meaning: Bummer

Example Sentence: That breakup was a total bummer.

Meaning: Downer

Example Sentence: Hearing about the tragedy was such a downer.