# heartbroken

/ˈhɑɹtˌbɹoʊkən/ (US) · /hˈɑːtbɹəʊkən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/heartbroken
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

feeling extremely sad because a relationship has ended or because someone you love has died.

For teachers: suffering from overwhelming distress or sorrow, typically following the loss of a loved one or the end of a romantic relationship.

## Examples

- She was heartbroken when her cat went missing.
- He was absolutely heartbroken after his partner of ten years decided to end their relationship without warning.
- The community was left heartbroken by the sudden closure of the historic library, which had served as a vital gathering place for generations of local families.

## Usage notes

- Often follows linking verbs such as 'be', 'feel', or 'seem'; frequently modified by intensifiers like 'absolutely' or 'utterly'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.