broken-down

adjective

bro·​ken-down ˈbrō-kən-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce broken-down (audio)
: worn-out, debilitated
a broken-down old car

Examples of broken-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here are the top ten states with an overall stress rank in parenthesis, each broken-down by rank order for each of the five dimensions: work stress, financial stress, family stress, health & safety stress and work-life balance rankings. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of broken-down was in 1727

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Broken-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broken-down. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

broken-down

adjective
bro·​ken-down
ˌbrō-kən-ˈdau̇n

More from Merriam-Webster on broken-down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!