fundamentally broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamentally broken" is correct and can be used in both spoken and written English.
An example usage of the phrase would be: "The relationship between the two countries is fundamentally broken; it may never recover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That feels fundamentally broken".

The New Yorker

The financial system is fundamentally broken.

The New York Times

America's air travel system is fundamentally broken.

The New York Times

It's because the EU is fundamentally broken.

The Guardian

That would mean the system is fundamentally broken".

The New Yorker

But the generic drug market is fundamentally broken.

The Washington Post

Silent Circle's Mike Janke warns that email is "fundamentally broken".

The Guardian - Tech

Nor will it fix a work culture that is fundamentally broken.

The New Yorker

Is the patent system fundamentally broken, or can it be fixed with a few modest reforms?

Princeton University

But there are increasing rumblings in the academic world itself that peer review is fundamentally broken.

The Guardian

One of the major takeaways from your book is that there is something fundamentally broken about Washington.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamentally broken", ensure you can clearly identify and articulate the core element that is causing the breakdown. Specificity strengthens the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamentally broken" in casual conversation or informal writing where a simpler term like "not working" or "faulty" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamentally broken" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as being flawed at its core, not just superficially. Ludwig shows its prevalence in describing systems, laws, and relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamentally broken" is a commonly used expression to describe something that has critical flaws. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and most frequently used in news and media and academia. This phrase communicates strong criticism, often aimed at systems or core elements needing significant reform. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, where its impact is most effective. Consider alternatives like "deeply flawed" or "inherently defective" to subtly shift the emphasis as the situation requires.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamentally unsound

A synonym that replaces "broken" with "unsound".

deeply flawed

This phrase emphasizes the severity of the flaws.

seriously impaired

Highlights the compromised functionality or effectiveness.

inherently defective

Focuses on a flaw existing from the beginning.

irreparably damaged

Indicates damage beyond the possibility of repair.

fatally undermined

Implies a critical weakness leading to failure.

structurally unsound

Suggests weakness in the basic construction or organization.

irredeemably corrupted

Emphasizes the state of corruption or moral decay.

critically compromised

Focuses on the loss of security, integrity or function.

systemically dysfunctional

Points to issues within the whole system, and is more specific to a process or organisation.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamentally broken" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamentally broken" to describe systems, relationships, or concepts that have critical flaws, as in "The healthcare system is "fundamentally broken" and needs reform."

What are some alternatives to "fundamentally broken"?

Alternatives include "deeply flawed", "inherently defective", or "structurally unsound", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "fundamentally broken"?

Use "fundamentally broken" when you want to emphasize that the problems are not superficial but deeply rooted in the core structure or principles of something. It is especially useful in formal and professional writing.

Is "fundamentally broken" too strong of a phrase to use?

While potent, "fundamentally broken" is appropriate when milder expressions fail to convey the depth and severity of an issue. Consider the gravity of the situation and choose verbiage that corresponds.