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busted

adj.
US //ˈbəstɪd// UK //bˈʌstɪd// bust·ed
  1. 1 caught doing something wrong (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Slang Informal

    caught by someone while you are doing something you should not be doing.

    apprehended or discovered while committing a transgression or crime.

    Example

    He was totally busted when his teacher saw him using his phone during the test.

    Example

    The teenagers were busted by the security guard while trying to sneak into the abandoned warehouse after midnight.
  2. 2 broken or damaged (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Slang Informal

    broken, damaged, or not working correctly.

    rendered inoperable due to mechanical failure or physical damage.

    Example

    I can't call you because my screen is busted and I can't see anything.

    Example

    The old washing machine is completely busted, so we will have to wash our clothes by hand until the new one arrives.
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  1. 3 ugly or unattractive (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    very ugly or looking very bad.

    highly unattractive or aesthetically unpleasing; often used to describe a person's appearance or a poorly made object.

    Example

    That old car looks busted with all that rust and the missing door.

    Example

    The critics described the new building's design as busted, claiming it clashed horribly with the historic architecture of the street.
  2. 4 having no money (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal American English

    having no money left; broke.

    lacking financial resources; synonymous with 'broke' in informal contexts.

    Example

    I'm totally busted until payday, so I can't go out for dinner tonight.

    Example

    After paying his tuition and rent, he found himself completely busted and unable to afford even basic groceries.
Etymology 1

See bust (Etymology 2)

Etymology 2

From bust + -ed. See bust (Etymology 1).

Idioms1 entry

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