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

Les Bleus have been the standout team at the World Cup and look to be on a mission to make amends for their heartbreaking defeat on penalties in the 2022 final. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Before long, Brown ended up seeing Gio's heartbreaking reaction for himself. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

It's been one week since devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, and heartbreaking images continue to emerge from the disaster zone while South Florida's Venezuelan community remains committed to helping survivors. — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 1 July 2026

In a heartbreaking moment, Paula asks why Trevor chose her, and Ashley softens a bit. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 1 July 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