broken-down

[ broh-kuhn-doun ]

adjective

1. shattered or collapsed, as with age; infirm.
2. having given way with use or age; out of working order:

   a broken-down chair.

broken-down

adjective

1. worn out, as by age or long use; dilapidated

   a broken-down fence

2. not in working order

   a broken-down tractor

3. physically or mentally ill

Word History and Origins

Origin of broken-down¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Brad Koed’s beefy Stanley seemed like he just crawled from under a broken-down car.

From Los Angeles Times

On Monday, though, lifeguards found something they don’t usually see on the sand: an abandoned, broken-down Panga-style vessel stocked with life jackets and fuel cans.

From Los Angeles Times

We understood her broken-down narcissistic addict in “Rachel Getting Married,” because who couldn’t?

From New York Times

Radar and cameras are supposed to spot broken-down vehicles, and warning signs are then supposed to close affected lanes.

From BBC

They live in the same broken-down tower building, one of several in the complex, where sometimes they hang out in an abandoned apartment.

From New York Times

Related Words

• battered
• decrepit
• ramshackle
• run down