Broken
/ˈbroʊkən/
adjectiveBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Idiom
Meanings
Question
Definitions
2 meanings1
Damaged; not working correctly; separated into pieces.
/ˈbroʊkən/
adjectivenegativeBeginner
General
Damaged or destroyed.
The toy is broken.
💡 Simply: Something is not working or is damaged.
More Examples
2
My heart is broken.
How It's Used
General
"The vase is broken."
Mechanical
"The car's engine is broken."
2
Not functioning correctly; disrupted.
/ˈbroʊkən/
adjectivenegativeIntermediate
General
Having failed or stopped functioning.
The system is broken.
💡 Simply: Something isn't working properly.
More Examples
2
The negotiations are broken.
How It's Used
Technology
"The software is broken."
Relationships
"Our relationship is broken."
Tip:Think of something that has stopped working.
Idioms & expressions
break a leg
Good luck!
"Break a leg tonight!"
From Old English *brocen, past participle of *brecan "to break". The word has a long history and its meaning has remained relatively consistent.
The word 'broken' has been used in a similar sense throughout its history, referring to physical damage and metaphorical failures.
Memory tip
Think of something physically broken into pieces.
Practice
Base: break
brockenbrokun
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written