heartbreak

noun

heart·​break ˈhärt-ˌbrāk 

: crushing grief, anguish, or distress

Synonyms

• affliction
• anguish
• dolefulness
• dolor
• grief
• heartache
• sorriness
• sorrow
• woe

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

With Danielle, which is set for release on Sept. 6, Bradbery is pulling the curtain back and opening up about finding healing after heartbreak. —Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 8 June 2024

There’s going to be some heartbreak when Emmy nominations are announced next month. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024

Cortés’ performance is a gem of range, with his joyful hubris contrasting mightily with tearful heartbreak. —David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 24 May 2024

The real heartbreak comes in his romance with Pavel, an art star attached to Philip’s gallery. —Rumaan Alam, New York Times, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

heartbreak

noun

heart·​break -ˌbrāk 

: crushing grief, anguish, or distress

heartbreaking

-ˌbrā-kiŋ

adjective

heartbreakingly adverb

heartbroken

-ˌbrō-kən

adjective