ENGLISH
REFERENCE

heartbreaking

adj. · n.
US //ˈhɑɹtˌbɹeɪkɪŋ// UK //hˈɑːtbɹeɪkɪŋ// heart·break·ing
  1. 1 causing deep sadness (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    causing you to feel very sad or upset, often because you feel sorry for someone.

    causing intense grief, sorrow, or emotional distress. This is the dominant modern usage of the word.

    Example

    It was heartbreaking to see the families lose their homes in the fire.

    Example

    The documentary provides a heartbreaking account of the refugees' journey, focusing on the personal stories of those who lost everything.
  2. 2 great grief (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    the feeling of extreme sadness or a broken heart.

    the state or experience of intense grief or emotional suffering. Often used in literary contexts to describe the process of losing hope or love.

    Example

    The old songs are full of stories about love and heartbreaking.

    Example

    The poet captures the slow heartbreaking of a man who has outlived all his companions and his own sense of purpose.
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