Broken

The adjective 'broken' signifies a state of being damaged, fractured, or no longer functioning properly. It implies a loss of integrity, wholeness, or operational capability, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. This can apply to objects, relationships, promises, spirits, or systems. It can be the result of external forces like impact or decay, or internal weaknesses and vulnerabilities. A 'broken' item requires repair or replacement; a 'broken' relationship necessitates mending or possibly termination. The severity can range from a minor crack to complete destruction, impacting utility, value, and often, emotional state. It can also denote a violation, as in a broken law or a broken agreement, signifying disregard and breach of expected norms or commitments. It captures a spectrum from the physical disintegration of matter, to an injured mind.

Broken meaning with examples

• The antique vase lay in pieces on the floor, shattered beyond repair. The homeowner was devastated to find her prized possession broken. The intricate design, once admired, was now a collection of jagged shards. She carefully collected the remnants, each fragment a stark reminder of the accidental breakage and the fragility of beauty.
• After the storm, the once sturdy fence was visibly broken, with several posts uprooted and the panels warped. The family surveyed the damage, realizing that the protective barrier was compromised and no longer offered the security it once provided. Repairs were quickly planned to reinstate the fence and protect their property from any further issues.
• The prolonged silence and hurtful words from the argument had left her spirit feeling broken. She withdrew, nursing the emotional wounds inflicted by harsh conflict. It took time to heal, to piece together the fragments of her confidence and trust. The scars, though subtle, served as constant reminders of the conflict.
• The company, struggling with financial woes and mismanagement, faced a broken system. Internal procedures were not followed and departments had a lack of cohesion, hindering productivity and efficiency. The leadership was desperate to make drastic changes to restructure and avoid collapse. They knew that their future success relied on a complete overhaul.
• His promise to always be there was broken when he went against his word. The betrayal left a mark and a difficult situation to endure, but the faith that they had put into the promise was gone. The trust was shattered and caused a lot of tension and sadness.