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Definition of heartbreaking

heartbreaking

/ˈhɑːrtˌbreɪkɪŋ/
heart · break · ing
Adverb:heartbreakingly
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heartbreaking Lexical Profile

heartbreaking Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing overwhelming grief, sorrow, or emotional distress.

Example

"The documentary shared the heartbreaking stories of families displaced by the severe flooding."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for heartbreaking
Antonyms
View all antonyms for heartbreaking

• Nearby Words

heartbeat
heartbreak
heartbreaker
heartbreaking
heartbreakingly
heartbroken
heartbrokenly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 16th century as a compound of 'heart' and 'breaking', arising from the ancient metaphorical belief that overwhelming grief or sorrow could physically rupture the heart.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Heartbreaking. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/heartbreaking
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