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Definitions

broken-down

[broh-kuhn-doun] / ˈbroʊ kənˈdaʊn /
ADJECTIVE
dilapidated
Synonyms
STRONGEST
battered decrepit ramshackle run down
WEAK
bedraggled deteriorated falling apart in disrepair infirm neglected old seedy shabby threadbare unsound
Antonyms
STRONGEST
good healthy
WEAK
intact solid sound sturdy well-kept

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.

Typically more than 60% of appliance-industry demand comes from consumers replacing items under “duress,” meaning that their existing products have broken down and they have little choice but to buy new ones.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

In contrast, Microsoft hasn’t broken down similar demand for its Maia in-house chips.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said it is "disappointing" initial talks to end the war in Iran had broken down without a deal, as he defended the UK's decision not to join the conflict.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

This study suggests that a large share has broken down into tiny particles that are now suspended throughout the ocean.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

These are reading scores for the first five years of elementary school, broken down by socioeconomic class—low, middle, and high.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell