definitely heartbreaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitely heartbreaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong emotional reaction to a situation or event that causes sadness or distress. Example: "The news of the tragedy was definitely heartbreaking for everyone in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Going there "was what I depended on for New Year's Eve," Ms. Maino said, adding that its sudden end "was definitely heartbreaking".

The New York Times - Arts

It was definitely heartbreaking, but I think I've put that behind me".

The New York Times

"It is most definitely heartbreaking, when you feel like you had a chance to win this game," Lewis said, "and you let it slip right out of your hands".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's definitely heartbreaking because I was part of the whole team when this episode took place.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is heartbreaking for me, and the publicity about the new test has definitely made the situation worse".

The Guardian

So heartbreaking.

The New York Times

Heartbreaking x".

Independent

Oddly heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Tech

Heartbreaking, isn't it?

The Economist

Heartbreaking & too familiar.

The New Yorker

The stories are heartbreaking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "definitely heartbreaking", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause of the sadness to maximize the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "definitely heartbreaking" in trivial situations. Its strong emotional connotation is best reserved for truly significant and sad events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitely heartbreaking" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to intensify the feeling of sadness or emotional distress associated with it. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and its suitability for expressing a strong emotional reaction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitely heartbreaking" is a grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to express significant sadness or emotional distress. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, primarily in news and media contexts, to emphasize the impact of unfortunate events. While suitable for neutral registers, alternative phrases like "absolutely devastating" or "truly sorrowful" might be more appropriate in certain formal situations. Avoid overuse in trivial contexts to maintain its intended emotional weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely devastating

Emphasizes the overwhelming and destructive nature of the sad event.

utterly crushing

Highlights the feeling of being completely overwhelmed and defeated by sadness.

truly sorrowful

Focuses on the deep sense of grief and sadness associated with the situation.

genuinely tragic

Emphasizes the unfortunate and lamentable nature of the event.

deeply upsetting

Highlights the emotional distress and discomfort caused by the situation.

extremely distressing

Focuses on the severe mental or emotional suffering caused by the event.

incredibly painful

Emphasizes the intense emotional suffering experienced.

very disappointing

Understates the sadness by focusing on the feeling of unmet expectations.

quite unfortunate

Emphasizes the bad luck or negative circumstances surrounding the situation.

rather regrettable

Focuses on the feeling of wishing the event had not occurred.

FAQs

How can I use "definitely heartbreaking" in a sentence?

Use "definitely heartbreaking" to describe events or situations that cause significant sadness or emotional distress. For instance, "The news of the layoffs was "definitely heartbreaking" for the employees".

What's a more impactful alternative to "definitely heartbreaking"?

For greater impact, consider using phrases like "absolutely devastating" or "utterly crushing" to convey a deeper sense of sorrow.

Is "definitely heartbreaking" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "definitely heartbreaking" might be perceived as overly emotional for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "truly sorrowful" or "genuinely tragic" for a more restrained tone.

How does "definitely heartbreaking" differ from "slightly disappointing"?

"Definitely heartbreaking" indicates profound sadness and distress, whereas "slightly disappointing" suggests a minor letdown. The former is appropriate for serious matters, while the latter is suitable for trivial situations.