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
Synonyms
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
This is a heartbreaking example of a grave miscarriage of justice.
—
Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025
Chad Lowe's family is still healing from the heartbreaking loss of their L.A. home.
—Kayla Grant, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
The last two Air Academy seasons ended in similarly heartbreaking fashion with the Kadets squandering double-digit leads in the Coliseum — including last year’s Final Four loss to Northfield.
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2025
For the artist to have such a massive turnout at his homecoming show during such a heartbreaking point in his family’s life made this a memorable night for him and fans alike.
—Mark P. Braboy, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for heartbreaking 
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Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025
Chad Lowe's family is still healing from the heartbreaking loss of their L.A. home.
—Kayla Grant, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
The last two Air Academy seasons ended in similarly heartbreaking fashion with the Kadets squandering double-digit leads in the Coliseum — including last year’s Final Four loss to Northfield.
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2025
For the artist to have such a massive turnout at his homecoming show during such a heartbreaking point in his family’s life made this a memorable night for him and fans alike.
—Mark P. Braboy, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Dictionary Entries Near heartbreaking
Cite this Entry
“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbreaking. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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