B2 adjective Neutre

broken

/ˈbroʊ.kən/

Describes something that has been damaged into parts, is no longer functioning correctly, or has failed to fulfill a promise or systemic purpose. In academic contexts, it often refers to fragmented data, failed social structures, or interrupted processes.

Exemples

3 sur 5
1

The child cried over his broken toy, hoping his father could glue it back together.

The child cried over his broken toy, hoping his father could glue it back together.

2

The government was criticized for its broken promises regarding tax reform and education funding.

The government was criticized for its broken promises regarding tax reform and education funding.

3

I'm feeling pretty broken after that twelve-hour shift at the warehouse.

I'm feeling pretty broken after that twelve-hour shift at the warehouse.

Famille de mots

Nom
break
Verb
break
Adverbe
brokenly
Adjectif
broken
Apparenté
breakage
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Astuce mémo

Visualize a 'Broken' plate: the 'en' at the end looks like two pieces that have fall'en' apart.

Quiz rapide

The researchers found that the ______ social ties in the community led to a decrease in collective action.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : broken

Exemples

1

The child cried over his broken toy, hoping his father could glue it back together.

everyday

The child cried over his broken toy, hoping his father could glue it back together.

2

The government was criticized for its broken promises regarding tax reform and education funding.

formal

The government was criticized for its broken promises regarding tax reform and education funding.

3

I'm feeling pretty broken after that twelve-hour shift at the warehouse.

informal

I'm feeling pretty broken after that twelve-hour shift at the warehouse.

4

Sociologists argue that the broken window theory explains how minor visible signs of neglect can lead to increased crime.

academic

Sociologists argue that the broken window theory explains how minor visible signs of neglect can lead to increased crime.

5

Our current logistics model is broken and requires a complete overhaul to remain competitive.

business

Our current logistics model is broken and requires a complete overhaul to remain competitive.

Famille de mots

Nom
break
Verb
break
Adverbe
brokenly
Adjectif
broken
Apparenté
breakage

Collocations courantes

broken system broken system
broken promise broken promise
broken home broken home
broken English broken English
broken link broken link

Phrases Courantes

broken record

someone who repeats the same thing over and over

broken heart

great sadness, especially after a romantic breakup

if it ain't broke, don't fix it

do not try to improve something that is already working well

Souvent confondu avec

broken vs broke

'Broke' is the past tense of the verb 'break' or an adjective meaning 'having no money', while 'broken' is the past participle used as an adjective for damage.

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Notes d'usage

While 'broken' usually refers to physical damage, in academic and professional English, it frequently describes abstract failures like 'broken logic' or 'broken bureaucracy'.

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Erreurs courantes

Learners often say 'The glass is broke' instead of 'The glass is broken'; 'broke' as an adjective only refers to financial status.

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Astuce mémo

Visualize a 'Broken' plate: the 'en' at the end looks like two pieces that have fall'en' apart.

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Origine du mot

From the Old English 'brocen', the past participle of 'brecan' (to break), originating from Proto-Germanic roots.

Modèles grammaticaux

used as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'a broken mirror') used as a predicative adjective (e.g., 'the mirror is broken') past participle form used in passive voice constructions
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Contexte culturel

The 'Broken Windows Theory' is a significant concept in Western urban sociology and policing strategies.

Quiz rapide

The researchers found that the ______ social ties in the community led to a decrease in collective action.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : broken

Mots lis

pronumerism

C1

To represent or replace numerical values with symbols or letters in an algebraic manner. It involves the systematic practice of using variables (pronumerals) to express mathematical relationships or abstract concepts.

anpatable

C1

A noun referring to a state of logical impasse or a situation where no clear path or resolution exists. It is typically used in philosophical or high-level academic discussions to describe a conceptual dead end that prevents further progress.

unicenty

C1

To merge several distinct elements, processes, or entities into a single, central point of focus or control. It is often used to describe the strategic consolidation of disparate parts into a unified core system.

homoducty

C1

Describing a system or biological structure characterized by having uniform, identical channels or conducting pathways. This term is used to identify a state where all leading vessels or conduits share the same size, direction, or functional capacity.

circumvolvible

C1

A rare term referring to an object or property that is capable of being rolled, turned, or revolved around a central axis. In technical contexts, it describes the physical capacity for complete rotation or orbital movement.

superdocation

C1

Pertaining to the act or state of providing excessive, superior, or redundant documentation and instruction. It describes a process or document that contains significantly more detail than is standard or strictly necessary for clarity.

redynism

C1

To systematically revitalize and inject new energy into a stagnant system, organization, or process. It involves transitioning from a state of inertia to one of active, fluid, and high-performance operation through targeted reforms.

transcivess

C1

Describing a state of identity or social involvement that transcends national boundaries and traditional civic constraints. It is typically used in sociological and political contexts to refer to individuals or entities that function across multiple sovereign territories simultaneously.

transhospdom

C1

The transitional state or process of a patient moving from a clinical hospital environment back to their domestic or home setting. It encompasses the logistical, psychological, and medical adjustments required to bridge the gap between institutional care and independent living.

bivictor

C1

A bivictor is an individual or group that has secured a win in two separate fields of competition or during two consecutive events. This term is specifically used to highlight the rarity and difficulty of achieving dual success in distinct categories.

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