heartbreaking
adjective
heart·break·ing
ˈhärt-ˌbrā-kiŋ 
1
: causing intense sorrow or distress
heartbreaking news
a heartbreaking defeat
2
: producing an intense emotional reaction or response
heartbreaking beauty
Examples of heartbreaking in a Sentence
She wrote a heartbreaking story about the death of her grandfather.
It was heartbreaking to know that there was nothing I could do.
The team suffered another heartbreaking defeat.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Highlanders all-underclass boys team lost four tiebreakers in a heartbreaking 4-3 semifinal loss against Alonso Mourning of Miami.
—
Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Now, 34 years later and a registered nurse, the downfall of the hospital is heartbreaking for her.
—Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Steven died much too young, which was utterly heartbreaking.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
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Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Now, 34 years later and a registered nurse, the downfall of the hospital is heartbreaking for her.
—Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Steven died much too young, which was utterly heartbreaking.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Cite this Entry
“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbreaking. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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