B2 adjective Neutral

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.

Examples

3 of 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.

Word Family

Noun
break
Verb
break
Adverb
brokenly
Adjective
broken
Related
breakage
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Memory Tip

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

Quick Quiz

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

Correct!

The correct answer is: broken

Examples

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.

Word Family

Noun
break
Verb
break
Adverb
brokenly
Adjective
broken
Related
breakage

Common Collocations

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

Common Phrases

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

Often Confused With

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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Usage Notes

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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Common Mistakes

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

💡

Memory Tip

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

📖

Word Origin

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

Grammar Patterns

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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Cultural Context

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

Quick Quiz

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

Correct!

The correct answer is: broken

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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