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
Buck's final moments with Bobby were heartbreaking.
—
Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025
According to the shelter, the cats endured a heartbreaking journey.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
The Detroit Lions were favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this past season, but fell short vs. the Washington Commanders in a heartbreaking conference title game.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Travel & Experiences First look: Disneyland’s original Haunted Mansion returns with a heartbreaking new scene
Jan. 17, 2025
An evening performance that celebrates animation.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
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Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025
According to the shelter, the cats endured a heartbreaking journey.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
The Detroit Lions were favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this past season, but fell short vs. the Washington Commanders in a heartbreaking conference title game.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Travel & Experiences First look: Disneyland’s original Haunted Mansion returns with a heartbreaking new scene
Jan. 17, 2025
An evening performance that celebrates animation.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Cite this Entry
“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbreaking. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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