heartbreaking

adjective

heart·​break·​ing ˈhärt-ˌbrā-kiŋ 

1

: causing intense sorrow or distress

heartbreaking news

a heartbreaking defeat

2

: producing an intense emotional reaction or response

heartbreaking beauty

heartbreakingly

ˈhärt-ˌbrā-kiŋ-lē 

adverb

a heartbreakingly tragic movie

Synonyms of heartbreaking

• sad
• depressing
• pathetic

Examples of heartbreaking in a Sentence

She wrote a heartbreaking story about the death of her grandfather.

It was heartbreaking to know that there was nothing I could do.

The team suffered another heartbreaking defeat.

Recent Examples on the Web

For the last two years, the story has entranced showgoers with its heartbreaking portrayal of an imperfect love story. — Emmalee Reed, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Getting candid about her split with ex-husband, Stranger Things star David Harbour, Allen gave fans a glimpse into a bumpy and heartbreaking period of her life. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026

Moss-Bachrach, grizzled and heartbreaking as the father, gives the film its ballast. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

The Women's Media Center, which Steinem cofounded with Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan in 2005, mourned the pioneering feminist's loss in a heartbreaking tribute. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for heartbreaking

• awaking
• backbreaking
• bookmaking
• breathtaking
• brickmaking
• caretaking
• dressmaking
• filmmaking
• forsaking
• glassmaking
• groundbreaking
• haymaking