heartbreaking

[ hahrt-brey-king ]

adjective

1. causing intense anguish or sorrow.

Other Words From

• heartbreaking·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of heartbreaking¹

First recorded in 1600–10; heartbreak + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“It’s heartbreaking to read ... about those babies that passed away. But this is our reality,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Complete chaos ensued in the final five minutes of the Cowboys’ frantic win at the Washington Commanders, while the Chicago Bears found another heartbreaking way to lose as the Minnesota Vikings triumphed in overtime.

From BBC

The singer also previously postponed his US tour, after what he called the "heartbreaking loss" of Payne.

From BBC

It was reliably and breathtakingly hilarious, heartfelt and often heartbreaking.

From Salon

Andrew Friedman did such a spectacular job in shaping such a special team, it would verge on heartbreaking if he allows some of their important free-agent pieces to go their separate ways.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affecting
• agonizing
• calamitous
• dire
• distressing
• heart-wrenching
• poignant
• sad
• touching
• tragic
• unfortunate