broken-down

adjective

bro·​ken-down ˈbrō-kən-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce broken-down (audio)
: worn-out, debilitated
a broken-down old car

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of broken-down was in 1727

Dictionary Entries Near broken-down

Cite this Entry

“Broken-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broken-down. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

broken-down

adjective
bro·​ken-down
ˌbrō-kən-ˈdau̇n

More from Merriam-Webster on broken-down

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!