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
What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
Tickets sales are strong and a good portion of opening-night audience members were weeping during the play’s heartbreaking second act.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
Eric Dane's Grey's Anatomy co-star Kate Walsh broke her silence with a heartbreaking tribute following news of the actor's death on Friday.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026
All the newcomers were found under heartbreaking circumstances, at a third to half of the typical body weight for their age.
—Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
Tickets sales are strong and a good portion of opening-night audience members were weeping during the play’s heartbreaking second act.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
Eric Dane's Grey's Anatomy co-star Kate Walsh broke her silence with a heartbreaking tribute following news of the actor's death on Friday.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026
All the newcomers were found under heartbreaking circumstances, at a third to half of the typical body weight for their age.
—Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Cite this Entry
“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbreaking. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
