heartbreaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heartbreaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes deep emotional pain or sadness. Example: "The news of the tragedy was truly heartbreaking for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was heartbreaking.

The New York Times

It was great to see Vincent Lindon get the best actor prize for The Measure of a Man from director and co-writer Stéphane Brizé: there was something absorbing and heartbreaking about the sheer restraint and dignity that Lindon brought to the role of a long-term unemployed guy who finally finds work as a supermarket store detective.

The Guardian - Film

"Going through all her things in the house we grew up in was heartbreaking".

The Guardian

Related: Sierra Leone sprinter Jimmy Thoronka released from police custody Thousands of well-wishers urged him not to give up on his dream of becoming one of the world's best sprinters and many said they found his story heartbreaking.

The Guardian

I find it heartbreaking, and hope for a happy outcome.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to walk … It was heartbreaking.

The Guardian

Everyone said that the trauma of their son, exposed in those heartbreaking texts to his father, was a reflection on the bad parenting of two people who had failed to protect their children from the fight.

The Guardian - Opinion

I will never forgive the government of the day – it was heartbreaking for the men and their areas.

The Guardian

He will bounce back and is young enough to play in more World Cups but to miss the chance of playing a semi-final at home against Germany must be heartbreaking for him.

The Guardian - Sport

A movie version of A Heartbreaking Work was once planned, but Eggers told Entertainment Weekly in 2007 that the film was unlikely to emerge since studio New Line's option on it had run out.

The Guardian - Film

The cult US author is best known for his 2000 pseudo-memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, which chronicled his 20-year-old self's attempts to bring up a younger brother, Christopher, after their parents both died of cancer within the space of a few months.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use alternatives like "heartrending" or "devastating" when a slightly different shade of meaning is needed to best fit the context.

Common error

Avoid using "heartbreaking" to describe mildly upsetting or disappointing situations. Reserve it for events that genuinely cause profound emotional pain to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "heartbreaking" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that causes intense sorrow or emotional pain. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse subjects, such as personal stories, news events, and artistic works, reflecting its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "heartbreaking" is a versatile adjective used to convey profound sorrow and emotional distress. As evidenced by Ludwig examples, it appears frequently in News & Media contexts and is considered grammatically correct. The analysis suggests reserving "heartbreaking" for situations that warrant significant emotional intensity, while considering alternatives like "heartrending" or "tragic" for nuanced expressions. Ludwig confirms its status as a widely accepted and potent descriptor of emotionally painful experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heartrending

Similar in meaning, emphasizing the emotional pain caused.

devastating

Highlights the overwhelming and destructive impact of the situation.

tragic

Focuses on the severe misfortune and sorrow involved.

grievous

Emphasizes the severity and painfulness of the event or situation.

poignant

Describes something that evokes a sense of sadness or regret.

pathetic

Focuses on the vulnerability and helplessness of a person or situation, evoking sadness.

distressing

Indicates something that causes anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

agonizing

Stresses the intense physical or mental suffering.

crushing

Conveys the feeling of being overwhelmed by sorrow or disappointment.

bitter

Describes a situation filled with resentment, disappointment, and sorrow.

FAQs

How to use "heartbreaking" in a sentence?

Use "heartbreaking" to describe situations that cause significant emotional pain. For example, "The news of her passing was truly heartbreaking." or "It was heartbreaking to see the refugees living in such conditions."

What can I say instead of "heartbreaking"?

You can use alternatives like "heartrending", "devastating", or "tragic" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "heartbreaking" or "heart breaking"?

"Heartbreaking" is the correct spelling and usage as a single word. "Heart breaking" as two words might be used in a different context, such as "the act of breaking a heart", but not as an adjective describing a sad situation.

What's the difference between "heartbreaking" and "sad"?

"Heartbreaking" implies a deeper level of sorrow and emotional pain than simply "sad". Something that is "sad" may cause mild unhappiness, while something "heartbreaking" causes profound grief and anguish.