heartbreak

noun

heart·​break ˈhärt-ˌbrāk 

: crushing grief, anguish, or distress

has had more than her share of heartbreak

Synonyms of heartbreak

• sorrow
• grief
• anguish

Examples of heartbreak in a Sentence

He recently suffered a string of romantic heartbreaks.

I understand the heartbreak you must feel over your grandmother's death.

Recent Examples on the Web

Monday’s match was to be Ronaldo’s last of this World Cup, ending in heartbreak for the 41-year-old soccer legend, with Portugal falling to Spain 1-0. — Jon Sarlin, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

During an emotional interview with Michael Strahan on Good Morning America Friday, July 10, Christine and Elmore Wonsley shared their heartbreak while questioning key details surrounding the final hours before their son’s death. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026

To the heartbreak of Genova’s many loyal, longtime customers, the deli closed its final Walnut Creek location in February, two months after shuttering its space on Treat Boulevard. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

As first love, social ambition, and heartbreak pull him in a new direction, a devastating family tragedy forces him to confront what truly matters. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heartbreak

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache

Kids Definition

heartbreak

noun

heart·​break -ˌbrāk 

: crushing grief, anguish, or distress

heartbreaking

-ˌbrā-kiŋ

adjective

heartbreakingly adverb

heartbroken

-ˌbrō-kən

adjective