broken-down

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Pratt, 42, launched himself into politics in the wake of the January 2025 Palisades fire, voicing his fury over an empty reservoir, broken-down fire trucks and the destruction of his own home.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

A van driver who killed the passenger of a broken-down car on a smart motorway where the safety alert system was malfunctioning has been given a suspended sentence.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

He pushed constitutional reforms aimed at preventing any future slide into authoritarian rule, and to overhaul a "completely broken-down" system of public administration.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

When there is no hard shoulder drivers who get into trouble are meant to aim for refuge areas located at regular points, but broken-down cars can sometimes be left stranded in a live lane.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

The barn of shackles, the hole in the earth, this broken-down boxcar—the heading of the underground railroad was laid in the direction of the bizarre.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead