broken
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 5The 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.
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.
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.
Antonyms
Word Family
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
The child cried over his broken toy, hoping his father could glue it back together.
everydayThe child cried over his broken toy, hoping his father could glue it back together.
The government was criticized for its broken promises regarding tax reform and education funding.
formalThe government was criticized for its broken promises regarding tax reform and education funding.
I'm feeling pretty broken after that twelve-hour shift at the warehouse.
informalI'm feeling pretty broken after that twelve-hour shift at the warehouse.
Sociologists argue that the broken window theory explains how minor visible signs of neglect can lead to increased crime.
academicSociologists argue that the broken window theory explains how minor visible signs of neglect can lead to increased crime.
Our current logistics model is broken and requires a complete overhaul to remain competitive.
businessOur current logistics model is broken and requires a complete overhaul to remain competitive.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
'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.
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'.
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
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 Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1This 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
A1The 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
A1Used 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1Used 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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