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

• depressing
• dismal
• drear
• dreary
• heartrending
• melancholy
• mournful
• pathetic
• sad
• saddening
• sorry
• tearful
• teary

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

Revenge of the Sith, the culmination of the Skywalker tragedy that backgrounds the original trilogy, culminates with a fateful, heartbreaking duel — and the birth of two profoundly important twins. —Katie Rife, EW.com, 15 Feb. 2025

Viewers become enveloped in their evolving love affair that experiences some heartbreaking twists and turns yet remains a poignant affirmation of life and love. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2025

In another heartbreaking turn, shortly after celebrating Blaine's 11th birthday on Dec. 15 with the family, Brad's mom unexpectedly died in her sleep. —Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025

While singing, Rita moves from surprise to terror, then to compassion, while Emilia recounts her story in a heartbreaking manner. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a