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

Jennifer Lopez's love don't cost a thing, but her heartbreak has been invaluable. — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026

France has experienced both triumph and heartbreak under its long-serving manager. — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

It’s been a long time coming Swift’s music has served as the soundtrack to a generation of adolescent heartbreaks and coming of age crises. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

The joy and celebration, alongside heartbreak for fans of losing countries, is getting people to follow along, in stadiums and at home. — Dian Zhang, USA Today, 2 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