heartbreak

noun

heart·​break ˈhärt-ˌbrāk 

: crushing grief, anguish, or distress

Synonyms

• 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

Literary experts can argue both angles, but her heartbreak is undeniable. —Bryan West, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025

First crushes, first loves, the beautiful days of summer, and heartbreak are what made this book an instant hit with teens. —Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 14 Aug. 2025

Last season’s semi-final heartbreak against Inter is still firmly in the minds of all dressing-room members, who want to use it as fuel to dream big again. —Pol Ballús, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025

The work is a profound introspection recounting the most poignant periods of heartbreak, self-reflection, and emotional turmoil in love and her life. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heartbreak

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

Kids Definition

heartbreak

noun

heart·​break -ˌbrāk 

: crushing grief, anguish, or distress

heartbreaking

-ˌbrā-kiŋ

adjective

heartbreakingly adverb

heartbroken

-ˌbrō-kən

adjective