heartbreaking

adjective

heart·​break·​ing ˈhärt-ˌbrā-kiŋ How to pronounce heartbreaking (audio)
1
: causing intense sorrow or distress
heartbreaking news
a heartbreaking defeat
2
: producing an intense emotional reaction or response
heartbreaking beauty
heartbreakingly adverb
a heartbreakingly tragic movie

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This veteran actor is due — plus, what an emotional heartbreaking performance! Damon Wise, Deadline, 23 May 2025 As the search continues, Pheobe's mom, Kylie Johnson, shared a heartbreaking message on Facebook. Becca Longmire, People.com, 23 May 2025 The heartbreaking chain of events happened on May 16. Melissa Noel, Essence, 22 May 2025 After 119 years in existence and a couple of heartbreaking near misses, Crystal Palace were finally major-trophy winners. Steve Madeley, New York Times, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartbreaking was in 1591

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Cite this Entry

“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbreaking. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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