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.

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

From his second-floor apartment that overlooked a stretch of road in Sylmar lined with broken-down RV’s, Vincent Wolf fumed.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

A van driver who crashed into a broken-down car in a smart motorway's fast lane has been found guilty of causing death by careless driving.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Redeveloping Venezuela’s broken-down oil infrastructure will cost tens of billions of dollars at least, and companies likely want assurances their investments will be worth it long-term.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

She only came back when she felt like it, anyway, in dreams and lies and broken-down deja vu.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell

broken-down

Example Sentences

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