Word
heartbreaking
Phoneticsheart·break·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹtˌbɹeɪkɪŋ/
UK/hˈɑːtbɹeɪkɪŋ/
Definitions
01causing deep sadness
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. causing you to feel very sad or upset, often because you feel sorry for someone.
adj. causing intense grief, sorrow, or emotional distress. This is the dominant modern usage of the word.
“It was heartbreaking to see the families lose their homes in the fire.”
“The documentary provides a heartbreaking account of the refugees' journey, focusing on the personal stories of those who lost everything.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02great grief
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary
n. the feeling of extreme sadness or a broken heart.
n. the state or experience of intense grief or emotional suffering. Often used in literary contexts to describe the process of losing hope or love.
“The old songs are full of stories about love and heartbreaking.”
“The poet captures the slow heartbreaking of a man who has outlived all his companions and his own sense of purpose.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The fifth one has the heartbreaking reveal of the Captain’s backstory, followed by that joyous line dancing scene.” “But I’m left dry-eyed through the drama’s betrayals and its meet-cutes, the hope, the fury, the usually heartbreaking self-sacrifice of its heroine .” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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